Accession Number:

AD1036615

Title:

Catalytic Decomposition of Hydroxylammonium Nitrate Ionic Liquid: Enhancement of NO Formation

Descriptive Note:

Journal Article

Corporate Author:

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFMC) AFRL/RQRP Edwards AFB United States

Personal Author(s):

• Chambreau,Steven D.
• Popolan-Vaida,Denisia M.
• Vaghjiani,Ghanshyam L.
• Leone,Stephen R.

Report Date:

2017-04-24

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

Hydroxylammonium nitrate HAN is a promising candidate to replace highly toxic hydrazine in monopropellant thruster space applications. The reactivity of HAN aerosols on heated copper and iridium targets was investigated using tunable vacuum ultraviolet photoionization time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry. The reaction products were identified by their mass-to-charge ratios and their ionization energies. Products include NH3, H2O, NO, hydroxylamine HA, HNO3, and a small amount of NO2 at high temperature. No N2O was detected under these experimental conditions, despite the fact that N2O is one of the expected products according to the generally accepted thermal decomposition mechanism of HAN. Upon introduction of iridium catalyst, a significant enhancement of the NOHA ratio was observed. This observation indicates that the formation of NO via decomposition of HA is an important pathway in the catalytic decomposition of HAN.

Descriptors:

• chemical reactions
• photoionization
• mass spectrometry
• iridium
• catalysts
• physical chemistry

Subject Categories:

• Physical Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE