| The capture and utilization of CO2 have significant potential applications in the chemical and power generation industries, as well as in space applications. For the proper performance of space life-support systems, for example, the removal from the cabin atmosphere of the CO2 produced by the inhabitants is required. For short-term flights, CO2 can be controlled by sorption on metal hydroxide. For long-term space applications, however, continuous regenerative approaches are required, including pressure-swing adsorption and membranes which, in addition to removing the CO2, may, potentially, also allow for the recovery of oxygen. One of the approaches proposed is the use of the methanation (Sabatier) reaction, in which the CO 2 catalytically reacts with hydrogen to simultaneously produce methane and water. In space applications, one of the challenges the application of catalytic reactor technology faces is the dilute concentrations of CO 2 which make its pre-concentration a required step, thus complicating the process train. In this study, we investigate the application of a reactive separation technology, in which the catalytic and separation steps are coupled in-situ through the use of high-temperature membranes. Coupling reaction and separation provides added synergy, which enhances the performance of both steps. Another potential application of the Sabatier reaction could emerge in In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on Mars. ISRU is a very important new concept to be used to make human presence on Mars possible. This concept involves utilizing raw resources from Mars atmosphere to create useful commodities such as oxygen and propellants like CH4. In this study, our current experimental and modeling efforts in this area aiming to establish the feasibility of the proposed reactive separation application for life-support and ISRU systems will be described. |
