Catalytic decomposition of propellant N2O Over Ir/Al2O3 catalyst. Issue 11 (3rd June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Jian; Li, Lin; Pan, Xiaoli; Wang, Xiaodong; Cong, Yu; Zhang, Tao; Zhu, Shaomin
• Is Part Of: AIChE journal. Volume 62:Issue 11(2016)
• Page Start: 3973
• Page End: 3981
• Publication Date: 2016-06-03
• Subjects: catalysis -- N2O decomposition -- propellant -- Ir -- microcalorimetry; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Génie chimique -- Périodiques; 660.28
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.15324
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-1541

Abstract

Abstract : N2 O, as a green propellant alternative to N2 H4, shows potential application in satellite propulsion system. The state of Ir species and the reaction behaviors on Ir/Al2 O3 in the oxidative environment during N2 O decomposition were identified here. Two types of Ir sites existed in this catalyst and affected the process of N2 O decomposition. The strong Ir sites facilitated the dissociative adsorption of N2 O to form N2 and adsorbed O atoms with adsorption heat of as high as 281 kJ/mol, which promoted the desorption of adsorbed O atoms and favored the self‐sustaining decomposition of N2 O by raising the catalyst bed temperature. The other Ir sites interacted weakly with O atoms but facilitated their combination to form O2 . The Ir/Al2 O3 catalyst then exhibited an excellent performance in initiating the decomposition of N2 O at low temperature of 200°C and good stability in 0.1 N microthruster for orbit adjustment and attitude control of satellite. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3973–3981, 2016