This work investigated Ag2O as a potential oxidizer in antimicrobial energetic systems. Ultrafine Ag2O was synthesized, and its performance in nanoaluminum-based thermite systems was evaluated using a constant volume combustion cell. The Ag2O alone was found to be a relatively poor oxidizer, but it performed well when blended with more reactive oxidizers, CuO and AgIO3. Time-resolved mass spectrometry was used to investigate the reaction mechanism in more detail. Post-reaction analysis confirmed the production of Ag, but it was seen to exist in a matrix with Cu in the Al/CuO/Ag2O ternary system. The product in surface contact with Al2O3 suggested a reactive sintering mechanism occurred. The results indicate that Ag2O, while a poor oxidizer itself, can be integrated into more reactive systems to produce high yields of biocidal silver. The morphology of the final product, however, indicates that a large amount of the silver may not be surface-exposed, a result which would negatively impact the biocidal activity. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Combustion Institute.