High Tortuosity Carbon Dioxide Conversion Device for CO2 Reduction into useful products for Life Support Systems

Chemical reduction of CO2 is a needed function for Life Support during long term space travel. Such processes can create useful products such as oxygen, hydrocarbon fuels, and polymer feedstocks. We propose a 3D manufacturing technology that will incorporate multiple material characteristics. Chemical reduction of CO2 is a needed function for Life Support during long term space travel. Such processes can create useful products such as oxygen, hydrocarbon fuels, and polymer feedstocks. This can be accomplished by either chemical or biological (synthetic biological microbial) means, and also has widespread terrestrial applicability for carbon sequestration. The efficiency in all of these processes depends on high surface area and high flowrate for mass transport. State of the art fuel cell electrodes employ thin grooves in a flat plate, machined by traditional methods, or are simple and bulky, in the case of microbial devices. We propose a 3D manufacturing technology that will incorporate multiple material characteristics.

Future crewed Exploration missions beyond earth orbit. Could be used by commercial crewed missions.

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