Cerium Oxide-Based Robust Catalyst for Hydroxylammonium Nitrate Monopropellant Thruster

Space thrusters employ hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN), a high-performing, newly developed energetic ionic liquid. The development of high temperature-tolerant catalysts for the breakdown of HAN-based compositions is necessary to achieve the high performance that results from the compositions’ higher adiabatic temperature. The chapter reviews the developments in this field and summarizes the results from the development of a novel robust catalyst based on cobalt-doped cerium oxide. The reactivity of the catalyst and catalyst endurance in decomposing HAN aqueous solutions and HAN-based propellant compositions are briefly discussed along with the catalyst characterization and possible reaction mechanism. The performance level of the ceria-based catalysts is compared with that of conventional alumina-supported iridium catalysts.