Project Title:

Electrolytic In situ Water Purification System For Spacecraft

  94-1	12.01	8008

  Electrolytic In situ Water Purification System For Spacecraft  

Abstract:

This proposed program is directed towards the development of 
electrolytic technology for the in situ generation of 
hydrogen-peroxide-derived hydroxyl radicals for the 
purification of spacecraft wastewater. The specific technology 
innovation will rely on the use of novel bifunctional cathode 
electrocatalysts within a polymer electrolyte electrolytic 
cell for the efficient generation of hydrogen peroxide and 
subsequent decomposition to hydroxyl radicals directly into 
the wastewater stream. Subsequent reaction of hydroxyl 
radicals with organic contaminants will lead to their 
decomposition leading to water purification. The proposed 
technology will find use in the final "polishing" stage (after 
ion exchange and absorption) to produce potable water of < 
500ppb total organic carbon within the water reclamation 
spacecraft loop.

The basic technology proposed in this project would be considered 
part of the family of "advanced oxidation processes." These 
processes are of interest due to their relatively benign 
environmental effects when compared with traditional oxidation 
processes. The specific electrolytic technology would allow for 
the small-scale, in situ production of hydrogen peroxide and 
hydroxyl radicals. Private sector industries to benefit from this 
technology would include water purification, waste site 
remediation, semiconductor, chemicals and pharmaceutical 
processing, and industries requiring sterilization such as 
hospitals and biotechnology production facilities.  

Key Words

Eltron Research, Inc.
2830 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO 80301