Development of Dust Free Binders for Spacecraft Air Revitalization Systems

The International Space Station’s air revitalization system currently removes CO2 from the station using adsorbent beds. Unfortunately, during operation the adsorbent pellets contained in the system breakdown and produce a fine dust that is carried downstream of the adsorbent bed and causes mechanical failures in the air revitalization system. Therefore, the work proposed will develop binders for traditional zeolites and MOF adsorbent powders that will provide effectively zero dusting when regenerated numerous times under vacuum and heat. The work is collaborative with the Marshall Space Flight Center, the Johnson Space Center, the Ames Research Center, the University of Alabama, and the University of South Alabama. To eliminate dusting, adsorbent pellets will be encapsulated with either polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or Matrimid, both of which are commercially available polymers that are typically used in gas membrane systems. The effectiveness of pellet encapsulation at eliminating adsorbent dust will be quantified by measuring the pressure drop across an adsorbent bed containing the encapsulated pellets during numerous adsorption and regeneration cycles. Pellets will be formed from adsorbent powders by pressing the powders with polyvinyl alcohol or clay binders. Encapsulated pellets will be provided to NASA for evaluation and it is anticipated that NASA scientists and the Glover Research Group will work collaboratively to produce academic publications detailing the results of this program. With the program creating a novel way to maintain mechanical integrity of adsorbents and catalysts, it is likely that it will generate intellectual property. Additionally, the project will partner with existing University of South Alabama outreach programs to identify two students from underrepresented groups and provide these students paid internships in the Glover Research Group.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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