Discovery of new molecule can lead to more efficient rocket fuel - Polidicks

[img]http://cdn.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/hires/discoveryofn.jpg[/img] Trinitramid -- that's the name of the new molecule that may be a component in future rocket fuel. Credit: KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology Sweden [b] Trinitramid – that's the name of the new molecule that may be a component in future rocket fuel. This fuel could be 20-30 percent more efficient in comparison with the best rocket fuels we have today. The discovery was made at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden. [/b] "A rule of thumb is that for every ten-percent increase in efficiency for rocket fuel, the payload of the rocket can double. What's more, the molecule consists only of nitrogen and oxygen, which would make the rocket fuel environmentally friendly. This is more than can be said of today's solid rocket fuels, which entail the emission of the equivalent of 550 tons of concentrated hydrochloric acid for each launch of the space shuttle," says Tore Brinck, professor of physical chemistry at KTH. Working with a research team at KTH, he discovered a new molecule in the nitrogen oxide group, which is not something that happens every day. It was while the scientists were studying the breakdown of another compound, using quantum chemistry computations, that they understood that the new molecule could be stable. "As mentioned, what is specific to this molecule is that it contains only nitrogen and oxygen. Only eight such compounds were previously known, and most of them were discovered back in the 18th century. This is also clearly the largest of the nitrogen oxides. Its molecular formula is N(NO2)3, and the molecule is similar to a propeller in shape," says Tore Brinck. The research team, consisting of Martin Rahm and Sergey Dvinshikh as well as Professor Istvan Furó , besides Tore Brinck, has now shown how the molecule can be produced and analyzed. The scientists have also managed to produce enough of the compound in a test tube for it to be detectable. "It remains to be seen how stable the molecule is in a solid form," says Tore Brinck. It was during work to find an alternative to today's solid rocket fuel that the researchers found the new molecule. The findings are now being published in the respected journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition. [url=http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-12-discovery-molecule-efficient-rocket-fuel.html]Source[/url] [url=http://www.physorg.com/partners/swedish-research-council/]More information[/url]

:science:

What an amazing boost in science! :v:

It doesn't use fossil fuels then? [editline]22nd December 2010[/editline] [QUOTE=Helix Alioth;26881310] . What's more, the molecule consists only of nitrogen and oxygen, which would make the rocket fuel environmentally friendly. [/quote] Cool.

So basically, it's explosive re-arranged air. Sweet.

JETPACKS! /caps

I was thinking about this the other day, and what do you know? Maybe I should think about Carl Sagan coming back from the dead too.

Oooh, new clean and efficient rocket fuel, eh? Is it easy to manufacture?

Already containing oxygen it wouldn't need it added would it? [editline]22nd December 2010[/editline] [QUOTE=Eudoxia;26881556]I was thinking about this the other day, and what do you know? Maybe I should think about Carl Sagan coming back from the dead too.[/QUOTE] You crazy? That could entail the zombie apocalypse D:

So now we can carry 8x the payload or am I misreading/miscaculating? Because 30% increase, according to the article, means 8x efficency.

[quote]What's more, the molecule consists only of nitrogen and oxygen, which would make the rocket fuel environmentally friendly[/quote]So, given that combustion is complete N(NO2)3 will break down into 2 N2 + 3 02. Sounds good, and no real toxic side effects, unlike the NO2 that comprises the main structure.

I wonder if this would work in cars. Non carbon emitting fuel produced by the two most abundant gases on Earth?

coo lio

Make one for cars.

use it to build more bombs

At least Sweden are trying to make me proud again. :3

I ignite funny colours.

Well if it's shaped like a propeller obviously it'll be used for flight

I somehow read molecule as monocle, was like "dude wat"

[QUOTE=KillerTele;26883954]I somehow read molecule as monocle, was like "dude wat"[/QUOTE] [i]"Apply monocle on spacecraft for maximum thrust and classyness!"[/i]

I want flying rocket cars

[QUOTE=Laserbeams;26884253]I want flying rocket cars[/QUOTE] I want time & space bending cars.

[QUOTE=bravehat;26881523]So basically, it's explosive re-arranged air. Sweet.[/QUOTE] Yes, but with the same logic many compounds are 're-arranged air'. Acetone Peroxide (C6H12O4) is a high explosive composed of elements found in the air. The reason that trinitramid is so useful is because of the weight to energy ratio. Most of it's oxygen. Still, this is an awesome discovery. Can wait to see it implemented assuming stability.

[QUOTE=ExplodingGuy;26881923]So, given that combustion is complete N(NO2)3 will break down into 2 N2 + 3 02. Sounds good, and no real toxic side effects, unlike the NO2 that comprises the main structure.[/QUOTE] Fuck yea - would work in cars most likely but then... People cant drive... [editline]22nd December 2010[/editline] [QUOTE=DarkSpider;26881934]I wonder if this would work in cars. Non carbon emitting fuel produced by the two most abundant gases on Earth?[/QUOTE] Would be really nice to have

30% That's actually pretty amazing!

This will be awesome with SpaceX's new rockets, as their payload is already a better improvement than Nasa.

So what are the downsides here.

[QUOTE=POLOPOZOZO;26887742]So what are the downsides here.[/QUOTE] That less money will go to the fuel corporations, That will probably make them try to sabotage it.

[QUOTE=POLOPOZOZO;26887742]So what are the downsides here.[/QUOTE] Hard to place into a stable solid, highly volatile as a gas. [QUOTE=ineedateam1;26887601]Fuck yea - would work in cars most likely but then... People cant drive...[/QUOTE] You don't want something this volatile near your ass when you're in a car accident.

Jetpacks! yes?