Efficient CO2 and H2O Removal with Novel Adsorbentsfor Life Support Applications on Mars

Phase II work will build upon results of Phase I investigations into the performance of cooperative adsorbents for life-support on Mars. The work will focus on the creating of a prototype EMU unit sized to support a single person (1 kg/day of CO2 removal. Tasks in support of this effort include in depth investigations of the role of water on CO2 adsorption mechanism. Improved pellet formulations will be developed in support of kg scale production of materials. Stability tests of materials and pellets will be performed to elucidate the effects of cycling on fines production. A cost model for materials production will be developed to anticipate materials manufacutring costs and to identify routes towards cost reduction.