Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Advanced Aqueous Phase Catalyst Development using Combinatorial Methods
Project Description
Combinatorial methods are proposed to develop advanced Aqueous Oxidation Catalysts (AOCs) with the capability to mineralize organic contaminants present in effluents from current and future primary wastewater treatment processes at temperatures less than 70aC, pressures below 20 psig, and contact times under 30 minutes. The Phase II effort will build upon the successful Phase I feasibility demonstration and identify rate-limiting factors for contaminant oxidation identified in the best Phase I AOCs. A new series of combinatorial catalysts will be prepared with the goal to systematically improve catalyst performance. Improvements will focus on contaminant and reaction byproduct adsorption, mass transfer resistances, and reaction rate limitations associated with noble metal concentration, dispersion, and support interaction. A second-generation combinatorial library with 102 AOCs will be prepared based on this analysis. Oxidation activity will then be compared using a difficult to oxidize ersatz solution containing contaminants known to occur in the current U.S. water processor aboard the ISS. These tests will select the best AOC based upon analysis of oxidation kinetics. This AOC will undergo long-term testing to verify performance. Scale-up activities will follow, resulting in a full-scale, deliverable prototype. The advanced AOC will lower water processor ESM and provide multiple commercial opportunities.
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Anticipated Benefits
Commercialization of this technology has many opportunities in environmental remediation, semiconductor production, and pharmaceutical industries as well as consumer products. AOCs that oxidize organic contaminants at low temperatures can be used to clean-up wastewater or groundwater, or for the production of ultra-pure water. AOCs 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 systems are limited to specific oxidation technologies and will be challenged by more stringent requirements in the next generation semiconductor fabrication facility. Low temperature non-specific oxidation processes will help meet these water quality standards in a cost-effective manner.
The NASA application for this technology will be as Flight Hardware for deployment in support of future, long duration exploration objectives beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were efficient water recovery will play a critical role in reducing ECLSS logistics. The ability to mineralize organic contaminants present in effluents from current and future primary water processors at low temperature and pressure is an extremely valuable technology. Reduction in power usage, improvement in safety and reliability, and lower maintenance requirements are highly valued characteristics of this technology that will lower ESM for current and future water reclamation processes used aboard spacecraft and within lunar and planetary habitats. More »
The NASA application for this technology will be as Flight Hardware for deployment in support of future, long duration exploration objectives beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) were efficient water recovery will play a critical role in reducing ECLSS logistics. The ability to mineralize organic contaminants present in effluents from current and future primary water processors at low temperature and pressure is an extremely valuable technology. Reduction in power usage, improvement in safety and reliability, and lower maintenance requirements are highly valued characteristics of this technology that will lower ESM for current and future water reclamation processes used aboard spacecraft and within lunar and planetary habitats. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMPQUA Research Company | Lead Organization | Industry | Myrtle Creek, Oregon |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Oregon
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