Low-Cost Catalysts for Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Thermal Decomposition

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted globally to explore environmentally friendly alternatives for sustainable energy in space propulsion. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has emerged as a promising green propellant system, particularly for satellite reaction control systems (RCS) and liquid propulsion. This study involved a comprehensive examination of the thermal decomposition of H2O2 monopropellant at a laboratory scale using a batch reactor, a differential pressure device, and differential thermal analysis–gravimetric analysis. The objective was to gain insights into the behavior of this monopropellant before its application in space missions. Concurrently, various catalysts with diverse support shapes were synthesized through different preparation methods. These catalysts were then subjected to characterization using several physico-chemical techniques and evaluated for their effectiveness in facilitating the chemical reactions involved in H2O2 decomposition. Notably, the synthesized catalysts proved to be more cost-effective than noble-metal catalysts, demonstrating excellent performance in enhancing the thermal processes.