Evaluation of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) decomposition using bifunctional catalyst for thruster application

Agnihotri, R and Oommen, C (2020) Evaluation of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) decomposition using bifunctional catalyst for thruster application. In: Molecular Catalysis, 486 .

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Abstract

Monopropellant thruster technology is at the cusp of revival with new age ionic liquids which are safe, less toxic and high performing emerging as substitutes for traditionally used hydrazine. One such promising candidate is Hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN). Current study explores an iridium metal impregnated bifunctional variant of an earlier developed doped cerium oxide catalyst for HAN decomposition. The performance of bifunctional catalyst was compared against unsupported cerium oxide catalyst and conventional iridium over gamma alumina catalyst. Thermal analysis was the primary test used for performance evaluation and was subsequently followed up in a batch reactor to evaluate the durability of the catalyst to extreme high temperature exposure. Characterization of catalyst before and after decomposition reaction was comprehensively conducted using surface area analysis, SEM/EDS, XRD and XPS. Results did suggest promotional effect of iridium over doped ceria support as demonstrated through increased pressure build-up and rate of pressure-rise.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Molecular Catalysis
Publisher:	Elsevier Ltd
Additional Information:	The copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Ltd
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Aerospace Engineering(Formerly Aeronautical Engineering)
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 07:34
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 07:34
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/64813

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