A Membrane Reactor with Microchannels for Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Extraterrestrial Space

Deqiang Feng,Ce Zhang,Wei Yao,Wenjun Jiang,Long Li,Botao Hu,Jian Song

doi:10.3390/catal12010003

Deqiang Feng, Ce Zhang + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/catal12010003

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Abstract

Long-term continuous oxygen supply is of vital importance during the process of space exploration. Considering the cost and feasibility, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) may be a promising solution. The conversion of CO2 to O2 is a key point for ISRU. In addition, the utilization of the abundant CO2 resources in the atmosphere of Mars is an important topic in the field of manned deep space exploration. The Sabatier reaction, Bosch reaction, and solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) are well-known techniques for the reduction of CO2. However, all the above techniques need great energy consumption. In this article, we designed an electrochemical membrane reactor at room temperature based on microfluidic control for the reduction of CO2 in extraterrestrial space. In this system, H2O was oxidized to O2 on the anode, while CO2 was reduced to C2H4 on the cathode. The highest Faraday efficiency (FE) for C2H4 was 72.7%, with a single-pass carbon efficiency toward C2H4 (SPCE-C2H4) of 4.64%. In addition, a microfluidic control technique was adopted to overcome the influence of the microgravity environment. The study may provide a solution for the long-term continuous oxygen supply during the process of space exploration.

Highlights

In the process of manned space flight and extraterrestrial exploration, astronauts are faced with basic material and energy requirements
In the system, the anolyte was stored in a cystic electrolyte tank of which shell was fabricated with titanium alloy (Aerospace class)
We explored the influence of the flow rates of electrolyte and CO2 on the Faraday efficiency of gas products and current density

Summary

Introduction

In the process of manned space flight and extraterrestrial exploration, astronauts are faced with basic material and energy requirements. It is expensive and technically difficult to carry all the consumables from Earth for long-term manned extraterrestrial exploration. Extraterrestrial resources must be utilized and recycled, which could reduce the mass of consumables carried from Earth and make the manned deep space exploration missions feasible. For the Sabatier reaction, CO2 is reduced by hydrogen to generate methane and H2 O. Bosch reaction is another technique for CO2 reduction, in which CO2 is reduced by hydrogen to generate carbon and H2 O. Carbon deposition may block the catalyst surface and reduce reaction efficiency.

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