Thermo-Reversible Gelation of Aqueous Hydrazine for Safe Storage of Hydrazine

Abstract

A reversible gelation–release system was developed for safe storage of toxic hydrazine solution based on gelation at lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and its copolymer could form gels of 35wt% hydrazine by dissolution under low temperature and storage at ambient temperatures. For example, PNIPAM gelled a 63 fold heavier amount of 35wt% hydrazine. Aqueous hydrazine was released from the gels by compression or heating, and the gelation–release cycles proceeded quantitatively (> 95%). The high gelation ability and recyclability are suitable for rechargeable systems for safe storage of hydrazine fuels.