Preparation of novel silver‑decorated MWCNT-based nanocomposites with energetic potential under Minisci reaction conditions in different polar medium

In this research, the novel silver‑decorated MWCNT-based nanocomposites containing 3,5-dinitrophenyl groups with energetic potential are prepared under Minisci reaction conditions. The functionalization reactions proceed by oxidative decarboxylation of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid with potassium persulfate and silver(I) nitrate at thermal or microwave conditions in different polar medium including xylene, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, DMF, NMP and DMSO. The prepared nanocomposites are characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, FESEM, TEM, EDX-Map, TGA-DSC, and DFT-D3(BJ) calculations. The solvent polarity significantly affects nanocomposite morphology, texture, chemical composition, and thermal stability. The oil bath heating provides higher efficiency level for functionalization, while microwave heating prevents formation of excess deposited phases. The silver(0) nanoparticles are detected within the nanocomposites prepared in DMSO, DMF and NMP. DSC analysis of the nanocomposites reveals distinct exothermic peaks not seen in pure MWCNT below 610°C. The presence of significant amounts of 3,5-dinitrophenyl groups is essential to observe the nanocomposite’s exothermic decomposition event. DMF exhibits high performance for both functionalizing and decorating MWCNT with energetic groups and silver nanoparticles. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of silver‑decorated MWCNT-based nanocomposites prepared under Minisci reaction conditions in DMF for energy-release applications.