The present invention comprises apparatus and methods employing a gas produced from a tetrazine-based energetic material such as that known as "BTATz" containing 3;6-BtS(1H-1,2,3,4-Tetrazol-5-ylamino)1-,2,4,5-tetrazine 3;6-BtS(1H-1,2,3,4-Tetrazol-5-ylamino)1-,2,4,5-tetrazine or salts thereof. The tetrazinebased energetic material is ignited through the use of a percussion cap, a piezoelectric crystal or a battery-supplied electric spark or by encapsulating it in a container that is then exposed to a burning flame. The gas produced upon ignition is employed a propellant such as to inflate life rafts, life vests, emergency evacuation slides, tires, air bags and other inflatable devices. The gas produced upon ignition is alternatively employed to power an engine and many other applications such as a fire suppressant.