Development of a Novel Highly-Efficient Nanofiber-based CO2 Absorbing Material

Nano Terra proposes the design and development of nanofiber-based CO2 absorbing materials which will increase the sorbent capacity while decreasing breathing resistance and increasing the rate of CO2 absorption. Metal oxide nanofibers capable of absorbing CO2 will be fabricated using electrospinning, in a technique pioneered by Nano Terra’s scientists. The CO2 absorbing capacity of the fibers will be tested, optimized, and production scaled up to satisfy the requirements of the solicitation. Nano Terra’s expertise with electrospinning, surface chemistry, nanofiber fabrication, as well as its extensive intellectual property portfolio covering multiple aspects of these techniques, qualifies it to perform the design and development of this novel CO2-absorbing material. BENEFITS: Warfighters operating underwater rely on carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbers to remove the gas from re-circulating air in underwater breathing apparatuses, thus preventing CO2 poisoning. Current CO2 removal technologies are outdated, heavy, large, and lose operating efficiency at low temperatures, such as those experienced at large depths. Nano Terra’s proposed nanofiber-based CO2 scrubber will increase the rate of CO2 absorption and increase sorbent capacity, permitting a scaling down of CO2 scrubber units. Smaller and more efficient CO2 scrubbers will increase the range of depths, distances, and physical tasks available to warfighters operating under water, and will insure the safety of personnel in hazardous conditions.