Efficient CO2 and H2O Removal with Novel Adsorbents for Life Support Applications on Mars

Phase II work will build upon results of Phase I investigations into the performance of cooperative adsorbents for life-support on Mars. The work will focus on the creating of a prototype EMU unit sized to support a single person (1 kg/day of CO2 removal. Tasks in support of this effort include in depth investigations of the role of water on CO2 adsorption mechanism. Improved pellet formulations will be developed in support of kg scale production of materials. Stability tests of materials and pellets will be performed to elucidate the effects of cycling on fines production. A cost model for materials production will be developed to anticipate materials manufacutring costs and to identify routes towards cost reduction.

Removing CO2 from breathable air will always be a necessary component to human-based space exploration. This work will advance a new class of adsorbents with remarkable CO2 removal performance at low partial pressure. Further, the adsorption and regeneration characteristics of these materials are uniquely suited to minimize the energy required to perform in a Martian atmosphere. Therefore, any results are applicable to any future space exploration, Martian or not.

Mosaic’s technology is applicable to a variety of terrestrial life support markets, like submarines, emergency shelters (e.g. mine refuge), hypoxic training centers and advanced terrestrial transportation. These markets are attractive because the technical barrier to entry is low and relatively small quantities of adsorbent are required to supply first systems for these customers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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