Preparation and catalytic evaluation of Ir and Ru catalysts supported in γ-Al2O3 for hydrazine decomposition in a 1 N microthruster

• Porous γ-Al2O3 was synthesized by sol gel method with average pore size of 5–6 nm.
• Ir/γ-Al2O3(I) and Ru/γ-Al2O3(II) catalysts were produced via impregnation method.
• High metal dispersion of Ir catalyst led to easy hydrazine decomposition.
• Coupling of Ru catalyst with 30% Ir catalyst enhanced the catalytic activity.

Porous γ-Al2O3 support with improved mechanical strength was synthesized via sol gel method in granular form having different mesh sizes i.e., 0.60–1.0 mm and 2.0–2.8 mm, followed by rehydration at room temperature and calcination at 1023 K, and was employed for the preparation of Ir and Ru catalysts by impregnation method. The structural features of supports, Ir/γ-Al2O3 and Ru/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were characterized by N2 physiosorption, H2 chemisorption, crushing strength measurements, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The catalytic activity was evaluated for hydrazine decomposition in a 1 N microthruster at ambient temperature.

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