• Question: Mr Ryan, what chemical are you using to fuel the rocket engine?

    Asked by adarsh to Charlie on 14 Mar 2011.
    • Photo: Charlie Ryan

      Charlie Ryan answered on 14 Mar 2011:

      Hi Adarsh nice question!
      I’m using – *deep breath” – 1-ethyl-3-methlyimidazolium tetrafluroborate! Catchy name huh? Because its a bit of a mouthful, it’s normally called EMIBF4, although that’s not too catchy either.
      Why use this chemical??…well that’s a little complicated, but goes something like this.
      This chemical is a room temperature ionic liquid. Which basically means that it is an ionic compound, like salt NaCl. But unlike table salt, it’s not a a solid but a liquid at room temperature. This is very unusual for an ionic compound – this chemical was only invented ~20 years ago!
      I spray this liquid from a small needle by applying a huge voltage to it (~2000Volts – just a bit dangerous!). This is a “colloid spacecraft thuster”, my mini rockets. Because the liquid only contains ions the spray only consists of ions (otherwise ti would be charged droplets). These ions are ejected from the thruster, creating a tiny thrust. It is very important that ions are emitted as it makes the thruster much, mcuh more efficient.
      I hope that helps, any firther questions please ask!!

Comments