A concept for bimodal space propulsion utilizing ionic liquid propellant was proposed. Experimental studies were carried out to identify electrolytic decomposition products of EMI-Im and EMI-BF_4 using a quadrupole residual gas analyzer. Mass peaks were associated with possible fragments of the ionic liquid cation and anion. Building up pressure using the electrolysis process was also explored. Voltages of up to 15 V did not generate significant pressure within an 8 hour period, and an initial decrease in pressure upon application of electrical power was observed. Finally, performance for a cold-gas type thruster using the electrolytic decomposition gases was estimated, indicating a performance regime as determined by thrust/power beyond that of current technologies.
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