Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Ammonia’s (NH 3 ) high hydrogen concentration and simplicity of storage and transportation have made it a promising energy source, especially for hydrogen production. Using an iridium (Ir)-based catalyst for clean space applications, this study examines the release of NH 3 during the thermal decomposition of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN), a green energetic propellant. Differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry in conjunction with mass spectrometry (DTA-TG/MS) was used to examine the thermal decomposition. The generation of NH 3 was verified by subsequent fragment analysis. Coupled cluster approaches were utilized to validate NH 3 generation and to further clarify the reaction process. Combining the theoretical and experimental methods highlights the feasibility of employing HAN as a precursor for NH 3 production, indicating that it can be used as a sustainable energy source for space propulsion systems. The effect of temperature on NH 3 production using a coupled cluster is also explored.