Green Propulsion: Catalysts for the European FP7 Project GRASP

摘要: The Green Advanced Space Propulsion (GRASP) project investigated the issue of green propulsion and possibility replacing presently used toxic hydrazine propellant by propellants. This was financed European Commission in 7th Framework Program (FP7). A large data base about 100 propellants compiled including physical material properties, toxicity performance data. preliminary selection conducted to identify most promising candidates for experimental work. Catalytic ignition, a very simple robust subsystem with restart possibility, thoroughly focusing on catalyst–propellant couple. For whole project, more than 50 catalyst variations have been prepared comprising ceramic pellets, monoliths, metallic foams or gauzes. Very candidates, e.g. ammonium dinitramide-based monopropellants, methodically leading development manufacturing advanced pellet-based catalysts ionic liquid decomposition. decomposition concentrated hydrogen peroxide (87.5 wt%) bipropellant applications led thorough investigation monolithic catalysts. Examination monolith parameters (channel shape, channel density, material) preparation (washcoating procedure, active phase precursor) efficient showing high activity stability: 17.9 kg H2O2 could be decomposed first time single catalyst.