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Nanomechanical Water Purification Device, Phase II
Completed
Description
Seldon Laboratories, LLC, proposes a lightweight, low-pressure water purification device that harnesses the unique properties of carbon nanotubes and will operate for an extended period of time to remove microorganisms from large quantities of water. Seldon's proprietary production process results in a membrane composed largely of carbon nanotubes fused to one another. This project will build on the successful results of the Phase I testing to treat higher volumes of water by creating larger membranes and housings suitable for use in spacecraft. The very low pressure requirements will significantly reduce energy and other input requirements. The device will be sufficiently versatile so as to be incorporated into existing systems or used as a standalone system for water treatment.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX |
| Start date | 2004-11-22 |
| End date | 2006-11-21 |
How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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.