Electrodeionization Salt Removal from Water

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

The overarching goal of the proposed work is to develop a method that will selectively extract certain ionic salts from different dissolved water solutions. As we travel farther and stay longer, these salts should be considered a fertilizer resource rather than a waste. In situ fertilizer will be required to grow food to support long-term space habitation based on current ECLSS plans (Gatens 2020), since fertilizers will not be possible to stow and resupply through logistics modules. Lunn et al. (2017) estimated from 90-100 kg of fertilizer would be required per person per year to grow all their food. Our previous efforts to produce fertilizer focused on urine, which contains important macronutrients needed for plants, e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) (Wheeler et al. 1999).

Benefits

This project will design a modular electrochemical cell that selectively removes ions by creating an electrical field that will bias ion mobility towards an electrode. By altering the surface chemistry, morphology, current, and voltage, selected ions will migrate towards and deposit on the surface of the submersed electrode. Deposition will be based on retention time of the solution within the cell, bias potential created by the electrode and cell, and selectivity of the ionic salt in solution.

Details

Technology area	Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems
Program	Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF (KSC CIF)
Lead organization	Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Luke B Roberson — luke.b.roberson@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.