Low Temperature Ceramic Oxygen Generation

"Numerous applications within the military and medical fields would benefit from compact and electrically efficient oxygen generation systems. Ceramic-based electrochemical oxygen generation systems are under consideration for military applications,including oxygen supplies for aircraft, medevacs, and mobile hospitals. On-board oxygen generation systems (OBOGs) reduce logistics costs associated with liquid oxygen delivery systems. Current OBOGS systems, based on molecular sieve and pressure swingabsorption (PSA) technology, generate low-pressure, oxygen-enriched air (90-95% oxygen). Compared to PSA systems, ceramic oxygen generation systems provide higher purity oxygen (>99%) at higher pressures (>2,500 psi), in a smaller unit, with reducedlifecycle costs and no moving parts. The advantages of ceramic oxygen generation systems are well known, although successful deployment has been elusive. NexTech Materials will collaborate with Northrup Grumman to demonstrate cerium oxide-based ceramicelectrolyte materials that operate at low (~650 C) temperatures in systems that are manufacturable, smaller, more reliable, and more efficient. In the Phase I program, materials and components for working prototype will be produced and assembled to provethe viability of the concept and demonstrate oxygen generation. In Phase II, breadboard ceramic oxygen systems will be optimized with respect to system design and operation. The targeted cerami