Chromium Copper Catalysts for LiClO₄ Decomposition

Abstract

Chromium copper (CrCu) catalysts are well‐known burning rate catalysts for solid propellants, which were used as energy source for rocket propulsion [1]. The present work reports the enhancement of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) by employing copper chromium as a catalyst. The LiClO4 decomposition rate depends on the catalyst characteristics, such as chemical composition, specific surface, and crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction analyses were used to characterize CrxCu(1−x)O(1+0.5x) catalysts. The samples are prepared using the sol‐gel method with different mole ratios. Furthermore, the samples are tested to evaluate their effect on the LiClO4 decomposition at various temperatures. The blank tests comparison shows that the CrxCu(1−x)O(1+0.5x) catalysts strongly enhance the LiClO4 decomposition. Moreover, CuCr2O4 is formed in the CrxCu(1−x)O(1+0.5x) catalysts. The CrCu binary composite catalysts show smaller crystallites, larger surface area, and better catalytic performance than the pure CuO samples because of the interaction of Cr and Cu ions. This study proposes a hypothetical reaction mechanism for the LiClO4 catalytic decomposition of the CrxCu(1−x)O(1+0.5x) catalysts.

Improvement in energy release properties of boron-based propellant by oxidant coating

“…A separate study by Shuji et al [18,19] indicated that KNO 3 promoted the ignition of B-based propellants, both in air and vacuum. Zhang et al [20] reported that even though the ignition characteristics of LiClO 4 were worse than those of The addition of another additive increased the complexity and consistency of B-based propellants [11]. Hence, the coating of B particles using an oxidant has a special advantage.…”