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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
Pursue molecular- and nano-based catalysts to attach and activate CO2 molecules to release dioxygen (O2) after the application of external energy. Our approach seeks to prove that molecular catalysis with electrochemistry is more efficient than high temperature to generate O2.
Generating O2 from CO2 under benign conditions could provide next generation technology for in situ resource utilization in potential manned missions on Mars, ISS, and other planetary environments. The system in this work could potentially be leveraged to produce fuels, fertilizers, or other species for ISRU applications. The CO2 conversion to O2 technology could provide an effective approach to recycle CO2 from the terrestrial atmosphere and offers great promise for climate control. The system shows promise and is currently at TRL 2.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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