Advanced Aqueous Phase Catalyst Development using Combinatorial Methods, Phase I

Catalysts that function at lower temperatures will have numerous commercial applications. These include the elimination of organic contaminants in wastewater or groundwater, or for the production of ultra-pure water. Such catalysts are extremely attractive for in situ environmental clean-up using a pump and treat system, where energy usage must be minimized. Current ultra-pure water production technologies are limited to treating specific contaminants and will be challenged by more stringent requirements in the next generation semiconductor fabrication facility. Low temperature catalytic processes will help meet these higher water quality standards in a cost-effective manner. The NASA application will be as Flight Hardware for deployment in support of NASA's return to the moon as well as the International Space Station (ISS). Advanced Aqueous Phase Oxidation Catalysts will be suitable for near term use in the water recovery system (WRS) aboard the ISS, and later use in a permanently manned Lunar Outpost (LO). This will lower operating temperature, reducing energy usage, and improve oxidation capacity. Such a catalyst will be purchased as Flight Hardware by NASA, or by an aerospace contracting firm on behalf of NASA, resulting in enhanced capability in support of manned missions aboard the ISS, LO, and beyond, where increased capacity, minimization of expendables, low power requirements, and safe operation are highly valued. More »