Novel Electrode Material Synthesis and Testing for Molten Regolith Electrolysis

We will mitigate both material loss and up-front expenses related to the anode, our main proposition is to utilize the metal products of MRE in a novel iridium binary alloy configuration to produce localized galvanic protection of the anode. This liquid core anode concept relies on solid-state diffusion of the sacrificial metals through a matrix of iridium to produce a galvanic protection effect. While solid state diffusion is well understood, the particulars of an alloy between iridium and many other metals are not well studied in literature. Calculations on the theoretical mass transport flux will be done to compare to known mass losses from corrosion to ensure an equilibrium state can be reached between the two competing phenomena. Such calculations rely on the physical characteristics of the component materials in the alloy and are currently unknown in literature. For this reason, fundamental research on the diffusion rates of the materials will be an integral part of this project, eliciting the need for one or more trade studies.

Molten regolith electrolysis(MRE)is a process which produces pure oxygen and base metals (typically iron, silicon and aluminum) using raw regolith as the only material input. In prior experiments of the MRE process, high-temperature, corrosion-resistant anodes were comprised of platinum group metals (PGM's), which exhibited varying degrees of corrosion resistance. Despite Iridium being the best performing single-element material to have undergone testing thus far, imperfect corrosion resistance and expensive scale-up costs curtail advancement in this technology's readiness.

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.