Performance of Different Catalysts Supported on Alumina Spheres for Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

With the financial support of the European Space Agency, ALTA S.p.A. is conducting an extensive experimental campaign for the development of advanced catalytic beds for hydrogen peroxide monopropellant thrusters in collaboration with the Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department of the University of Pisa. Manganese oxides, palladium, platinum, ruthenium and silver have been implanted on Gamma-Al2O3 and Si-doped Al2O3 spheres, starting from different precursors during the impregnation phase. Metal loadings on the ceramic substrates were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope analysis (SEM). Tests have been carried out in a specifically-designed experimental set-up in order to characterize and compare the chemical activity of different catalysts and for investigating the influence of the relevant operational parameters.