Extracting the Photonic Spectrum for the Long Range Exploration of Space: A Hybrid Photovoltaic Photon Upconversion and Biological System for Energy Production and Life Support

Proposal Title: A Hybrid Photovoltaic Up/Downconversion and Biological System for Extended Space Flight The specific NASA Directorate with the most direct parallel with this proposal is Human Exploration and Operations. The proposed research would be a useful synergy between NASA’s interests in biologically supported life support with other light harvesting projects interested in technologies such as photovoltaics, quantum dots (Power and Onboard Propulsion Technology, Glenn Research Center) and spectral conversion (Luminescence-Based Diagnostics of Thermal Barrier Coating Health and Performance, NASA Glenn and NASA Ames Research Centers). Primary objectives of this proposal are: a) Optimize the production of algae using the maximum possible wavelength spectrum. Cultures of microalgae and cyanobacteria will be grown using different electromagnetic wavelengths. Our preliminary results show that a 28% increase in algae biomass production can be achieved by using Gro-Lux lamps compared to the Cool White lamps. The basic premise of the proposed system is to increase biomass production by shifting wavelengths to those more useful to photosynthesis. b) Integration of Spectral Up- and Down-conversion for Optimal Biomass Productivity. We will build upon existing research into photonic up/downconversion, here tuned specifically for the wavelength window needed for chlorophyll absorption. c) Development of a PV system tuned for enhanced photovoltaic absorption in the range of 650-800 nm. We will build upon previous results in the construction of PV cells with colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) on ZnO thin film nanorods. Previous research at The University of Tulsa and The University of Oklahoma suggests these CQDs structures and ZnO nanostructures will result in tenfold increase in absorption of radiation within the desired wavelength range. d) Broaden underrepresented student participation from undergraduate-serving institutions in space research. This project promotes the involvement of underrepresented groups, specifically Native American, in space research by cooperating with the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (OK-LSAMP) program and Oklahoma Space Grant member Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to design, fabricate and test an autonomous, portable algae bioreactor for long-distance space travel, capable of biomass production from nanoparticles to convert the unused portions of the solar spectrum to wavelengths needed for algae photosynthesis. To achieve these goals, we will bring together a diverse group of multidisciplinary, multi-university research teams with established collaborative experience in solving complex interdisciplinary science and engineering challenges and will provide the framework to be highly competitive for funding outside the NASA EPSCoR program. Achieving the proposed work will also support the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium in improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education through building infrastructure in higher education and economic development in Oklahoma.

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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