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Active TRL 4 (started at 1, targeting 6)
Project Objective
Determine capability of pelletized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to separate hydrogen from carbonous gases for Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS) Technologies beyond Carbon Dioxide Chemical Reduction.
Project Description
In FY24, ARYSORB-F100, ARYSORB F-250, and KHUST-1 MOFs were evaluated in a trade space study for their capability to separate hydrogen from carbonous gases. In FY25, a small-scale test stand was built to test the applicability of this technology. Most research and development is performed at a
1-5 gram scale of MOF while this evaluation was performed at a 200-250 gram scale. After successful testing in FY25, funding was provided by the Mars Campaign Office (MCO) to pursue an upscaled test that fits their Methane Post-Processor Assembly (MPPA) candidate.
Project Results and Conclusions
In FY25, the team achieved successful buildup and operation of the sub-scale test stand and validated the use of the MOFs to separate hydrogen from carbonous gases. In FY26, the team is focusing on upscaling the size of the adsorption column to meet MPPA process flows as well as test another MOF candidate known as NKMOF-1-Ni.
Enables closed-loop ECLSS Air Revitalization (AR) downstream of Sabatier CO2 Chemical Reduction processes. Sabatier produces methane and water from carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced by crew members and the Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA), respectively. This technology allows ECLSS systems to capture hydrogen from methane that was originally vented overboard.
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