Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration on Manganese Oxide and Platinum Catalyst Bed Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the use of MnxOy/Al2O3 and Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in thrusters. It describes the purpose, procedures, performance, and conclusions coming from the test campaign of the catalyst lifetimes. In particular, eight different propellant samples with two different catalysts were tested twice (in order to exclude uncertainty). Similar operating and starting conditions were applied. All hot tests were performed in a thruster-like catalyst bed configuration with a propellant injector and outlet nozzle. Each bed was filled with the same mass of catalyst (for the same type of catalyst). The results show that platinum is a more effective catalyst than manganese oxides for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The findings have important implications for the development of catalysts for “green” propellants.

Optimization of the Gas Generator in Composite Power System with Tip-Jet Rotor

“…Hydrogen peroxide/carbon-hydrogen fuel engines have advantages like being non-toxic, non-polluting, high-density specific impulse, storable, and low-cost [15]. When hydrogen peroxide serves as an oxidizer, it catalytically decomposes into high-temperature oxygen and water vapor [16],…”

Atomistic Insights into the Influence of High Concentration H2O2/H2O on Al Nanoparticles Combustion: ReaxFF Molecules Dynamics Simulation

“…This propellant offers the aerospace industry an attractive approach to using green propellants with greatly reduced toxicity and low storage and disposal costs [10,11]. In monopropellant rocket systems, the decomposition and combustion efficiency of H 2 O 2 can be improved by using multiphase catalysts [12]. In bipropellant rocket systems, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used as oxidizers for different fuels (hydrocarbons, kerosene, alcohols, etc.)…”

“…According to research, H 2 O 2 usually undergoes spontaneous decomposition, and the main product of decomposition is water. Hence, its concentration decreases over time, which has a great impact on the combustion efficiency of the propellant [12]. In addition, ANPs have a higher surface area relative to micron-sized Al particles, which contributes to faster oxidation, while ANPs rapidly form an oxide shell on the surface in the presence of an oxidizing agent, and the core-shell structure (Al@Al 2 O 3 ) ultimately influences the adiabatic flame temperature and reaction mechanism of the Al/H 2 O 2 reaction [31,32].…”