Carbon Dioxide Collection and Pressurization Technology

Reactive Innovations, LLC, proposes a Phase I SBIR program to develop a compact and lightweight electrochemical reactor to separate and pressurize carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere. Our approach builds on recently developed technology in our laboratory and others in selective separation based on electrochemically modulated facilitated transport. This process electrochemically pumps the bound CO2 across a membrane separator effectively concentrating and pressurizing it in a separate process stream.

This technology addresses NASA's need for ISRU technologies to support a sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars. The Martian atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide representing a valuable in situ resource. The proposed technology will collect and pressurize carbon dioxide for use in ISRU technologies to generate fuel and oxygen.

This technology will have significant terrestrial-based applications. The market for separating carbon dioxide from other gases is expected to grow with continued interest and emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions. A compact electrochemical reactor that efficiently separates and concentrates CO2 can be used in sequestration scenario, alternative fuels production, as well at mitigating CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants.

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.