Utilizing electronic assisted enhancement: An innovative approach for studying the thermal decomposition and combustion of ionic liquids

Abstract

Flammable ionic liquids exhibit high conductivity and a broad electrochemical window, enabling the generation of combustible gases for combustion via electrochemical decomposition and thermal decomposition. This characteristic holds significant implications in the realm of novel satellite propulsion. Introducing a fraction of the electrical energy into energetic ionic liquid fuels, the thermal decomposition process is facilitated by reducing the apparent activation energy required, and electrical energy can trigger the electrochemical decomposition of ionic liquids, presenting a promising approach to enhance combustion efficiency and energy release. This study applied an external voltage during the thermal decomposition of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole nitrate ([EMIm]NO₃), revealing the effective alteration of the activation energy of [EMIm]NO₃. The pyrolysis, electrochemical decomposition, and electron assisted enhancement products were identified through Thermogravimetry–Differential scanning calorimetry–Fourier transform infrared-Mass spectrometry (TG-DSC-FTIR-MS) and gas chromatography (GC) analyses, elucidating the degradation mechanism of [EMIm]NO₃. Furthermore, an external voltage was introduced during the combustion of [EMIm]NO₃, demonstrating the impact of voltage on the combustion process.