← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Structured Sorbents: Rapid Cycle Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

State of the art CO2 removal systems utilize packed beds filled with pelletized sorbent material. By contrast, the proposed technology uses zeolite-coated metal sheets. This form factor allows rapid thermal cycling, and thus, smaller beds. This project will design, build, and test a subscale adsorption bed of this type based on proof-of-concept demonstrated in ES62 in FY21.

Benefits

This technology constitutes a revolutionary change in CO2 removal compared with the state of the art. Rapid cycling will reduce mass, volume, and energy consumption compared with packed sorbent beds.

Details

Technology areaHuman Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems > Atmosphere Revitalization
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF (MSFC CIF)
Lead organizationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date2021-10-01
End date2022-09-30

Project contacts

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

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.