Green Synthesis and Catalytic Activity Assessment of Bespoke Nano- Catalyst for Eco-Friendly Green Propellant Systems based on Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract Much effort has been devoted to replace pollutant, toxic, cancerogenic hydrazine-based propellants. Hydrogen peroxide could offer promising characteristics as well as high density specific impulse. Effective catalysts with high durability are required to initiate H2O2decompositions, or to inherit hypergolic nature with different fuels. This study reports on the novel green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (18 nm) via hydrogen evolved by water electrolysis. MnO2(20 nm) was developed in a sustainable manner via green hydrothermal processing. High crystalline, mono-dispersed particles were developed. Catalytic activity was assessed via precise measurements of liquid temperature profile (LTP) to reach the boiling point of hydrogen peroxide. Whereas silver demonstrated LTP peak at 20 seconds; MnO2experienced LTP of 40 seconds. Catalyst survivability was recorded via precise measurement of life time mass loss rate upon catalyst addition to hydrogen peroxide. While silver nanocatalyst demonstrated high performance at the reaction start; silver was found to be poisoned with crystalline phase change to silver oxide within 20 seconds. On the other hand, manganese oxide experienced high durable catalytic action. Consequently, MnO2could be candidate for H2O2monopropellant thrusters as catalyst bed. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles could be candidate for a single use in bipropellant to inherit hypergolicity.