Helium Recovery System Based on High-Performance Proton Exchange Membranes

This SBIR project aims to develop a helium recovery system based on high-performance proton exchange membranes (PEM). The PEM will be fabricated based on Amsen's existing technology. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) will be fabricated using the high-performance PEM. The processing and interfacial microstructure of the MEA will be optimized to minimize electrode overpotentials. Based on the optimized MEA, breadboard cells of the helium recovery system will be built and tested with pre-mixed helium/hydrogen mixtures in laboratory environment or relevant environment. Performance of the new helium recovery system will be contrasted with a baseline system based on the commercial Nafion membranes. The technology readiness level (TRL) by the end of Phase I is expected to be 4-5.

The outcome of the innovation has the potential of providing NASA with high-performance helium recovery system showing enhanced power efficiency, helium recovery production rate, and life span of the system. Because of helium shortages and rising prices, cost-effective recovery and reclamation of helium from hydrogen/helium gas mixture is of great economical significance to NASA and to the nation.

This technology will find wide applications for helium recovery in many industrial sectors.

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.

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