Novel, Vacuum-Regenerable Trace Contaminant Control System for Advanced Spacesuit Applications

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes a new material paradigm for the Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) based upon its novel adsorbent nanomaterials that have high surface area and can be designed to achieve uniquely-targeted sorbent properties, including increasing affinity to remove specific contaminants, minimizing competitive sorption with water and CO2, and achieving vacuum regeneration without heating. This breakthrough enables a compact, low pressure drop, and vacuum-regenerable TCC device for efficient removal of NH3 and CH2O, thus offering the potential for real-time, on-the-suit sorbent regeneration, reduced logistical burden associated with bed replacement or thermal regeneration, and further volume and weight reduction of the TCCS module. In Phase I, all objectives and proposed tasks were successfully completed to demonstrate proof-of-concept of vacuum-regenerable sorbent materials to permit a compact, efficient TCCS. In Phase II, we will build on Phase I success to develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a compact, low pressure drop, vacuum-regenerable TCCS hardware prototypes for efficient removal of NH3 and CH2O to meet NASA requirements. This effort would be valuable to NASA as it would significantly reduce the current PLSS technical risks and increase mission capability/durability/efficiency while at the same time increasing the TRL of the novel vacuum regenerable TCCS.