Experimental and analytical study on electrolytic decomposition of HAN-water solution using graphite electrodes

Wai Siong Chai, Kean How Cheah, Hua Meng, Gang Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)
95 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper describes the investigation of electrolytic decomposition of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)-water solution using graphite electrodes. The decomposition reaction consists of two stages. Electrical energy was consumed for 5 s before the stage 1 reaction ceased. An interesting phenomenon was observed in the stage 2 reaction where the decomposition of HAN resumed after the power supply was switched off. A series of spectroscopy and microscopy analyses confirmed that the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the stage 1 reaction causes the formation of nitrous acid (HNO 2), which leads to a further autocatalytic reaction. The reaction mechanisms were proposed and compared with the case of using copper electrodes. Graphite electrodes were demonstrated as more energy efficient in initiating the electrolytic decomposition of HAN-water solution as lower energy consumption (342 J) was achieved in comparison to copper electrodes (1926 J).

Original languageEnglish
Article number111496
JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids
Volume293
Early online date3 Aug 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019

Keywords

  • Electrolytic decomposition
  • Energetic ionic liquid
  • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
  • Graphite electrodes
  • Hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Spectroscopy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experimental and analytical study on electrolytic decomposition of HAN-water solution using graphite electrodes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this