Chemical Reactors Based on Catalyzed Wires

In catalytic flow-through chemical reactors being explored for space vehicle applications, the catalysts would be supported on the surfaces of wires, instead of on particles, as are typically used in traditional packed beds. The original intent of the proposal was to make it possible to build controllable, efficient catalytic hydrazine-decomposition microthrusters for small spacecraft. The basic concept of the proposal should also prove applicable to other flow-through catalytic reactors; for example, reactors that could be used in removing trace contaminants from the environment.