High-efficiency Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production Using Polymeric Optical Fibers and Visible Light

NASA is seeking solutions to produce hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in a spacecraft environment for the purposes of disinfection, cleaning, and wastewater stabilization. H₂Optic Insights, in collaboration with Arizona State University, previously conducted a NASA Phase I STTR project (Contract No. 80NSSC23PB439) titled In-Situ Resource Production of Hydrogen and Hydrogen Peroxide from Water Using Nano-Enabled Optical Fibers. This project successfully demonstrated proof of concept for photocatalytic (PC) H₂O₂ production, achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-4 for key enabling components, using visible-light photocatalysis on polymeric optical fibers (POFs) in water. Across published literature, PC H₂O₂ production has emerged as a viable and exciting alternative to other in-situ production methods. Our approach uses a PC reactor containing a bundle of POFs that side-emit light, continuously irradiating photocatalysts deposited on the POFs' outer surfaces ensuring consistent activation and high efficiency. We irreversibly embed small masses of nanocatalysts onto low-cost POFs, reducing catalyst mass while enhancing light delivery efficiency compared to competing designs such as catalyst slurry or flat-plate reactors. We use a low-power visible-light LED to drive photochemical reactions and supply oxygen (bubble-free) through hollow fiber membranes (HFMs). Specifically, we plan to: • Fabricate n=4 replicate PC reactors with POF bundles to further demonstrate we meet/exceed NASA performance metrics • Assess catalyst chemical stability and long-term performance • Evaluate the impact of chemical stabilizers on H₂O₂ production rates • Investigate using O₂ nanobubbles as an alternative to our current HFM O₂ delivery system • Analyze system size, weight, and power trade-offs for scale-up Our technology shows significant promise. Our previous work has mitigated key risks and validated that H₂O₂ production rates remain stable for over 500 hours while meeting NASA's criteria.