← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Maximizing energy efficiency in the constantly changing environments of the Moon and Mars will be critical to long-term humansustainability beyond Earth. By continuously converting waste heat to electrical energy in the presence of a thermal gradient, thermoelectrochemicalcells (TECs) are an emerging class of power generation devices in space technology applications. In order to realizethese applications, this research will investigate novel polymer electrolytes containing phase separated dynamic covalent networks.Through facile tuning of processing conditions, a remarkable property scope can be achieved within one material. This investigationseeks to elucidate the fundamental relationships between transport properties in non-isothermal conditions with dynamic bonds andphase separated morphologies, that will lead to multifunctional TECs for a range of space technology applications. Shear rheology, xrayphoton correlation spectroscopy (XPCS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) will be utilized to understand salt-induced changeson morphological and viscoelastic properties within the electrolytes. Then a novel through-plane measurement apparatus will beutilized to explore the role of dynamic bond character on the electrochemical Seebeck and Soret effects through a comparison studywith a structurally-similar non-dynamic analog. Finally, the role of morphology on the electrochemical Seebeck and Soret effects willbe investigated using localized annealing conditions. The combined insights from these studies will demonstrate a multifunctional,reprocessable TEC that will expand the capabilities of astronauts on long-duration space exploration missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.