{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":16702,"title":"Advanced Nanocomposite Membrane","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10602,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10600,"level":3,"code":"TX03.2.2","title":"Electrochemical: Fuel Cells","definition":"Fuel cells store and convert chemical energy to electricity.","exampleTechnologies":"Regenerative fuel cells, hydrogen /oxygen based regenerative fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells and fuel reformation or electrolysis","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"In this Phase I project, Lynntech proposes to manufacture nanocomposite membranes with significantly reduced hydrogen permeation without adversely affecting the ionic conductivity. This nanocomposite membrane can replace the commercial membranes that are used in the following applications: 1) High pressure PEM electrolyzers to compress the oxygen up to 3,000 psi for EVA, 2) PEM electrolyzers to generate oxygen for environmental control, crew life support, replenishing the oxygen for cabin, pre-breath oxygen delivery unit prior to space walking, propulsion for in-space maneuvering, in-space science activities, 3) Electrolyzers for regenerative fuel cell systems for storing energy in the form of hydrogen and oxygen, 4) Low (up to 50 psi) and high pressure (up to 400 psi) PEM fuel cells for power generation, and 5) Electrochemical oxygen concentrators to concentrate oxygen from cabin air for medical emergencies.
Proton exchange membranes that have significantly reduced hydrogen permeation have significant potential to replace current commercial membranes and becoming a new product very quickly. Fuel cell and electrolyzer industries have been looking for a membrane with lower hydrogen permeability to improve the operational lifetime and efficiencies of fuel cell and electrolyzer stacks. Therefore, there is a significant immediate market and a need for such an advanced proton exchange membrane. Lynntech has already demonstrated reduction in hydrogen permeation and high ionic conductivity with its nanocomposite membrane. PEM fuel cells are currently considered to be used for power generation for portable, telecommunication back up, stationary, and transportation applications both in the military and in civilian industries. PEM electrolyzers are considered to be used for energy storage, oxygen generation, etc. in numerous civilian and military applications.","description":"With the increasing demands placed on extravehicular activities (EVA) for International Space Station (ISS) maintenance, there is a critical need for oxygen delivery for EVA's from on-station sources. Since mechanical compressors have significant lifetime issues, NASA is evaluating high pressure PEM electrolyzer technology to generate and compress oxygen on the ISS. State-of-the-art electrolyzers use NafionĀ® and similar perfluorosulfonic acid membranes which have significant hydrogen (H2) permeation issues. To achieve the efficiencies desired, NASA requires a 50% or more reduction in H2 permeation with less than 10% reduction in ionic conductivity. Lynntech proposes to manufacture nanocomposite membranes with significantly reduced H2 permeation while maintaining high ionic conductivity. Preliminary results showed an unprecedented reduction in H2 permeation with minimal reduction in ionic conductivity (which have not been demonstrated before), no acid generation, and increased water transfer capability. In Phase I, Lynntech will further optimize the membrane microstructure to achieve a target 60 to 70% reduction in H2 permeation with less than 10% reduction in ionic conductivity. The anticipated Technology Readiness Level at the beginning and ending of Phase II will be 3 and 4, respectively.","startYear":2013,"startMonth":5,"endYear":2013,"endMonth":11,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":6190,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Alan","lastName":"Cisar","fullName":"Alan Cisar","fullNameInverted":"Cisar, Alan","primaryEmail":"alan.cisar@lynntech.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":3163995,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Robert","lastName":"Jones","fullName":"Robert Jones","fullNameInverted":"Jones, Robert","primaryEmail":"Robert.A.Jones@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"caption":"Advanced Nanocomposite Membrane","file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":302904,"fileName":"SBIR_2012_1_BC_H8.01-9514","fileSize":17589,"objectId":299449,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"17.2 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":302904,"fileName":"SBIR_2012_1_BC_H8.01-9514","fileSize":17589,"objectId":299449,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"17.2 KB"}],"id":299449,"title":"Project Image","description":"Advanced Nanocomposite Membrane","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":16702,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":64953,"projectId":16702,"transitionDate":"2013-11-01","path":"Closed Out","closeoutDocuments":[{"title":"Final Summary Chart","file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":305215,"fileName":"SBIR_2012_1_FSC_H8.01-9514","fileSize":120985,"objectId":64953,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":1841,"code":"TRANSITION_FILES","description":"Transition Files","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"fileSizeString":"118.1 KB"},"transitionId":64953,"fileId":305215}],"infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"November 2013"}],"primaryImage":{"file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":302904,"fileSizeString":"0 Byte"},"id":299449,"description":"Advanced Nanocomposite Membrane","projectId":16702,"publishedDateString":""},"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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