Electrochemical Modulation of the Flammability of Ionic Liquid Fuels

Flammability and combustion of high energy density liquid propellants are controlled by their volatility. We demonstrate a new concept through which the volatility of a high energy density ionic liquid propellant can be dynamically manipulated enabling one to (a) store a thermally insensitive oxidation resistant nonflammable fuel, (b) generate flammable vapor phase species electrochemically by applying a direct-current voltage bias, and (c) extinguish its flame by removing the voltage bias, which stops its volatilization. We show that a thermally stable imidazolium-based energy dense ionic liquid can be made flammable or nonflammable simply by application or withdrawal of a direct-current bias. This cycle can be repeated as often as desired. The estimated energy penalty of the electrochemical activation process is only ∼4% of the total energy release. This approach presents a paradigm shift, offering the potential to make a "safe fuel" or alternatively a simple electrochemically driven fuel metering scheme.