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Active TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 4)
Project Objective
This project is attempting to develop metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that are not produced at an industrial scale to capture hydrogen remaining in carbonous exhaust gases produced from chemically processing human-exhaled carbon dioxide. The goal of this (Cooperative Agreement Notice) CAN is to develop MOF test candidates, use the formulation and synthesis instructions developed to take them to mass production, and to test them in the sub-scale test bed at MSFC.
Project Description
The long-term goal of Closed ECLSS Air Revitalization (CLEAR) is to fully reutilize carbon dioxide chemical reduction waste products. This is initially performed using a Sabatier reaction that converts carbon dioxide to methane and water. Water is recovered to the environmental control and life support system (ECLSS), while methane is further processed. Current Methane Post-Processor Assembly (MPPA) technologies recover hydrogen from methane (C:H=1:4) by reducing it to acetylene (C:H=1:1) or ethylene (C:H=1:2), but the hydrogen gas that is formed needs to be captured and separated from the other gases. MOFs are sorbents capable of capturing the carbonous chemical gases allowing pure hydrogen to be separated, captured, and repurposed in another process. Hydrogen can be used as a liquid propellant for exploration, or can be used to increase the reaction efficiency of the Sabatier reactor (forming more water).
Project Results and Conclusions
In FY25, a small-scale testbed was developed at Marshall Space Flight Center to test three different task-selective MOF candidates that could purify a hydrogen from a specialty gas mix that simulates MPPA processes. NKMOF-1-Ni was developed through this CAN to be upscaled by Framergy, Inc.
In FY26, a PR is in place to upscale this MOF from a 1-5g scale to 2-kg scale. The MOF will be tested at Ohio State University to validate initial data on adsorption isotherms and stability of the MOF pellet, and will be tested in the testbed at MSFC.
Life Support Systems: This technology will close the air revitalization loop of efficient use of human-exhaled carbon dioxide waste which will enable future exploration missions beyond the moon.
In-Situ Resource Utilization: Further investigation is being performed regarding the capture of acetylene and ethylene gases including potential use in off-Earth manufacturing of polyacetylene or polyethylene plastics, respectively.
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