Decentralization of low orbit satellites requires the use of smaller satellites in larger quantities. Most of those satellites are launched without propulsion systems. Propulsion systems are being developed to increase the efficiency and operability of satellites. A promising candidate for powering these systems is protic Ionic liquids (ILs). Protic ILs are being developed for use in multi-mode propulsion systems, electrical and chemical. These systems are optimal for storage and flexible for use as thrusters. One protic ILs that has already seen some use by Nasa during their Green Propellent Infusion Mission (GPIM) is Hydroxylammonium Nitrate (HAN). GPIM made use of a HAN fuel/oxidizer blend, known as AF-M315E. This study aims to characterize the structure, energetics, and dissociation of clusters formed by electrospray ionization of HAN. A guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer is being used to conduct threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) studies to observe the energy-dependent dissociation behavior of protonated HAN clusters. Experimental data will be benchmarked against theoretical, computational values to examine how well the theoretical methods determine dissociation energies. This study will provide a better understanding of HAN thermochemical properties leading to improved modeling for its use as a space propellant and assist in deriving new green fuel blends for propellant systems.

Thermochemical properties and dissociation dynamics of hydroxylammonium nitrate

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.