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Hidden Super Boost Found in Rocket Fuel: How Does Nitrogen Tetroxide Work?
Nitrogen tetraoxide (N2O4), as a powerful oxidant, plays an important role in rocket propulsion systems. Its chemical properties and molecular structure give it unexpected potential in propulsion technology. This article will delve into the properties, manufacturing process and application of nitrogen tetraoxide in rocket propulsion, and let us gradually uncover this super boost hidden in rocket fuel.
Structure and properties of nitrogen tetraoxide
Nitrogen tetroxide can be thought of as two nitroso groups (-NO2) bonded together. Its molecular structure is planar, with the N-N bond distance being 1.78 Å and the N-O distance being 1.19 Å, showing the toughness of its bonds. This feature results from the delocalization of the bonding electron pairs in the N2O4 molecule and the significant electrostatic repulsion between each NO2 unit.
Due to equilibrium reactions, N2O4 can form an equilibrium mixture with nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which causes it to exhibit different physical properties at different temperatures.
At normal temperatures, nitrogen tetraoxide can be stored in liquid form, and will turn to produce more nitrogen dioxide at high temperatures. This characteristic makes it widely used in rocket propulsion systems.
Manufacturing of nitrogen tetroxide
The manufacturing process of nitrogen tetroxide mainly consists of several steps. The most common method of preparation is through the catalytic oxidation of ammonia (also known as the Oswald process), in which ammonia is first oxidized to form nitric oxide, which is then oxidized to form nitrogen dioxide, which is finally dissolved in a suitable Under certain conditions, they will combine to form nitrogen tetroxide.
This reaction can be expressed as the reaction formula: 2 NO + O2 → 2 NO2, ultimately forming nitrogen tetraoxide: 2 NO2 ⇌ N2O4.
Alternatively, nitrogen tetroxide can also be made by reacting concentrated nitric acid with copper metal, which is particularly common in laboratory settings.
Application as rocket propellant
Nitrogen tetroxide is mainly used as an oxidizer in rockets. Because it can be stored in liquid form at room temperature, it is the oxidizer of choice for many rocket systems. As early as 1927, the Peruvian polymath Pedro Paulette reported on his experiments with nitrogen tetroxide in rocket engines and admired its potential.
Paulette's design was considered to have "amazing power", which later made the German Rocketry Association have a strong interest in it.
With the advancement of technology, the high-super propellant combination formed by nitrogen tetroxide and hydrazine in rocket fuel has been more widely used. This combination is used in the U.S. Gemini, Apollo spacecraft, and even in the thrust reverse system of the space shuttle.
Challenges and Dangers of Nitrogen Tetroxide
While nitrogen tetroxide offers several advantages in rocket propulsion systems, it also poses some potential risks. In 1975, three American astronauts in the Apollo-Soyuz test project were poisoned by nitrogen tetroxide due to mishandling. This incident reminds us that we must be extremely cautious when using this compound.
The incident caused one astronaut to lose consciousness during descent, and they ended up being hospitalized with chemical-induced pneumonia and pulmonary edema.
These accidents highlight the need for safe management of nitrogen tetroxide in its use, especially in manned rockets.
Future prospects
With the development of technology, nitrogen tetraoxide also has the potential to play a role in other fields. For example, it is being studied as a separable gas in advanced power generation systems. When nitrogen tetroxide is heated and compressed, it reversibly decomposes into nitrogen dioxide, which is then expanded through a turbine, a process that increases the efficiency of energy conversion equipment.
From the key role of nitrogen tetroxide in rocket propulsion to its potential future applications, this makes people think: How many unknown possibilities are there waiting for us to explore in the future of this powerful oxidant?
