Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrazine on Ruthenium Catalysts in Nitric Acid Solutions

The kinetics and stoichiometry of catalytic decomposition of hydrazine on 5% Ru/SiO2 in nitric acid solutions were studied. The major reaction products are N2, N2O, and HN3. Ammonium ion is not formed. HN3 is generated owing to the occurrence of a heterogeneous-catalytic redox cycle on the catalyst surface. The influence exerted on the reaction kinetics by reaction mixture composition and temperature was examined. The process scheme was suggested. The hydrazine decomposition on ruthenium catalysts is a structure-sensitive reaction (positive size effect).