Effect of manganese-doped cobalt spinels structures in the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide for use in satellite thrusters

• Grant number: 14/22027-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2015
• End date: February 28, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Vieira
• Grantee: Luís Gustavo Ferroni Pereira
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This work aims to develop catalytic materials of manganese-doped cobalt spinels, to be used as catalysts in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), allowing multiple cold starts on a satellite monopropellant microthruster. Initially, it will be mounted, in partnership with Peróxidos do Brasil company, a pilot plant for concentration of H2O2 from 70% to 90% by mass. In parallel, spinels will be prepared from different synthesis methods, with the aim of defining the most appropriate methodology for the materials generation with better reducibility and hence higher catalytic activity. The materials will be evaluated, preliminarily, in the spontaneous decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the drop test. Then, the best performing catalysts will be selected and tested in a 10N microthruster, where the thrust, the pressure and the temperature of the propellant chamber will be monitored. All catalysts will be characterized by nitrogen adsorption, thermogravimetry, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and radial compression breaking load, aiming to correlate the physicochemical properties of the developed materials with their activities in the catalytic decomposition of concentrated peroxide hydrogen.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

PEREIRA, Luís Gustavo Ferroni. Effect of cobalt and manganese mixed spinel structure on the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide for application in satellite propellers. 2018. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL/ASDI) Lorena.