Self-Cleaning Particulate Air Filter

NASA requires an innovative solution to the serious issue of particulate fouling on air revitalization component surfaces in order to address the potential for catastrophic mission failure from severely compromised air revitalization performance. Additionally, this would not only limit the number of replacement components to be carried on a long term crewed mission, but would also lower launch weight and equivalent system mass. Lynntech proposes to provide proof-of-concept for innovative stimuli-responsive smart coating functionalized particulate air filter surfaces which respond to an applied stimulus by generating a pushing off force to trigger lifting off of adherent particles which are responsible for lowered air flux and reduced airborne contaminant removal efficiency. The aims of the effort involve the preparation and down-selection of suitable self-cleaning particulate air filter surfaces followed by a demonstration of the in-place regeneration of the modified high efficiency particulate air filter surfaces in a simulated flow through air filtration system using standard regolith simulants to mimic airborne dust. The maturation and eventual availability of this reagentless self-cleaning technology will allow NASA to more efficiently close the air revitalization loop and thereby sustain the vision for existing and future manned deep space missions.

Potential non-NASA commercial applications include regenerable HEPA filter modules for consumer homes and commercial and government offices and facilities. Additionally, self-cleaning engine and cabin air filters for consumer vehicle usage and self-cleaning air filters for commercial airliners may also be potential uses of this technology in the future.

Potential NASA applications include unique regenerable air revitalization components, to allow increased service life through periodic self-cleaning cycles, lower the number of replacement units and decrease the equivalent system mass. Cleaner air quality will eventually contribute greatly to NASA's goal of closing the breathing air recycling loop and sustain the vision for long term manned exploration missions of the future.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.