Regenerable Sorbent for Combined CO2, Water, and Trace-Contaminant Capture in the Primary Life Support System (PLSS)

The NASA objective of expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space requires the development of regenerable life support systems. This proposal addresses the development of an integrated air-revitalization system for the space suit used in Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). The proposed innovations are: (1) a single CO2, H2O, and trace-contaminant management unit; (2) a single sorbent possessing the capability to remove CO2, H2O, and trace contaminants; (3) monolithic sorption unit to provide the following functions: (a) CO2 sorbent; (b) H2O sorbent; (c) trace-contaminants sorbent; (d) low pressure drop; (e) good thermal management (heat transfer and low heat of adsorption); (f) resistance to dusty environments; and (4) regenerable operation. The overall objective is to develop a CO2/H2O/trace-contaminant removal system that is regenerable and that possesses weight, size, and power-requirement advantages over the current state of the art. The Phase 1 objectives are: (1) to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using a novel CO2 sorbent; and (2) to demonstrate effective CO2, H2O, and ammonia sorption and regeneration. This will be accomplished in three tasks: (1) Sorbent Preparation and Characterization; (2) Sorbent Testing; and (3) Product Assessment.

The main application of the proposed technology would be in spacecraft life-support systems, mainly in extravehicular activities (space suit), but after modifications also in cabin-air revitalization.

Greenhouse gas mitigation is a potential application. DOE is aggressively pursuing technologies beyond pumped aqueous amine systems that can be used for point source reduction of CO2. These systems must offer lower cost of capture compared to the pumped amine systems. Our sorbent can offer an attractive alternative for better CO2 removal compared to the pumped amine systems. This can translate into smaller systems, lowering capital costs. Our system is also expected to provide more efficient regeneration (lower thermal energy requirement), thus reducing operating costs. The monolithic support also offers pressure-drop advantages for CO2 capture from the flue gas.

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