FARADAYIC(R) Electrochemical Peroxide Generation for In-Situ Disinfection

Among the numerous technological advances sought in order to facilitate human space travel, solutions are needed for technology that supports energy-efficient maintenance of closed air, water, and waste systems in microgravity spacecraft habitats, like Mars. In particular, a technique for the in-situ generation of cleaning/sanitizing solutions is needed to reduce the demand of earth based materials like cleaning supplies to meet personal hygiene requirement during space missions. Therefore, In this Phase IIE SBIR program, Faraday will continue the technology development efforts of the Phase II by: 1) sub-scale peroxide generation unit fabrication, 2) peroxide generation laboratory tests for 0.5 percent peroxide, 2) peroxide generation laboratory tests for 6 percent peroxide, 4) alpha scale peroxide generation for 0.5 and 6 percent peroxide, 5) Investigate efficacy of utilizing a multi-reactor system, 6) surface disinfection study, and 7) disinfection study for laundry and waste water treatment. This evaluation will enable TRL enhancement and demonstrate a potential path forward for further demonstration and transition. This technology has the potential to be an alternative method for synthesis of commercial hydrogen peroxide or in-situ onsite disinfection of process waste streams and could be an integral part of long term life support on NASA’s manned space missions.

Surface disinfection in NASA space vehicles is done via disposable, wetted wipes, an appreciable mass and disposal burden. In-situ hydrogen peroxide generation is an economical, practical alternative using onboard water and oxygen to produce disinfectant applied to reusable cloths, reducing carried and disposed mass associated with disinfection. High efficiency in-situ FARADAYIC Peroxide Generation will eliminate the need for disinfecting wipes to be intermittently flown to the International Space Station, reducing cost, improving efficiency.

The proposed innovation would be valuable in settings including disinfection of waste water streams, naval warships, military field hospitals, and chemical or biological waste treatment laboratory environments where on-site generation of hydrogen peroxide for experimental or cleanup use may be of value. Primary markets for peroxide are in paper-and-pulp, chemicals, wastewater treatment, and mining

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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