Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Catalysts Used in Rocket Engines

The results of the development and studies of heterogeneous catalysts for decomposition of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide used as monopropellant and oxidant in rocket engines are summarized. Being nontoxic, hydrogen peroxide is an excellent alternative to highly toxic hydrazine and dinitrogen tetroxide used today in rocket engines and is only slightly inferior to them in the energy efficiency. Data on the influence of the catalyst active phase and support material and shape on the thruster operation conditions are discussed and summarized.