Fundamental Studies of the Structure and Chemistry of Solid Surfaces.
Abstract
The objective of this project was to examine the decomposition of hydrazine on iridium from a molecular point of view. An understanding of the decomposition reaction is critical to the development of catalytic thruster engines which are less prone to catalyst deactivation and poisoning than present devices. The surface techniques employed to follow the reaction included reactive molecular beam scattering, temperature, programmed desorption, Auger spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. These techniques allowed determination of most of the salient features of the reaction sequence of hydrazine decomposition on the (111) face of iridium. At least three parallel channels for the production of NH3 were found. Branching ratios and time constants were determined for each of these reactions. The results clearly indicated which reaction mechanism is responsible for thruster 'lights-off' as well as indicating a mechanism for catalyst decomposition and break-up.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA114868
Entities
People
- Robert P. Merrill
Organizations
- Cornell University School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering