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Title
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Plasma-based conversion of martian atmosphere into life-sustaining chemicals : the benefits of utilizing martian ambient pressure
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Author
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Abstract
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| We explored the potential of plasma-based In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for Mars through the conversion of Martian atmosphere (∼96% CO2, 2% N2, and 2% Ar) into life-sustaining chemicals. As the Martian surface pressure is about 1% of the Earth’s surface pressure, it is an ideal environment for plasma-based gas conversion using microwave reactors. At 1000 W and 10 Ln/min (normal liters per minute), we produced ∼76 g/h of O2 and ∼3 g/h of NOx using a 2.45 GHz waveguided reactor at 25 mbar, which is ∼3.5 times Mars ambient pressure. The energy cost required to produce O2 was ∼0.013 kWh/g, which is very promising compared to recently concluded MOXIE experiments on the Mars surface. This marks a crucial step towards realizing the extension of human exploration. |
| We explored the potential of plasma-based In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for Mars through the conversion of Martian atmosphere (similar to 96% CO2, 2% N-2, and 2% Ar) into life-sustaining chemicals. As the Martian surface pressure is about 1% of the Earth's surface pressure, it is an ideal environment for plasma-based gas conversion using microwave reactors. At 1000 W and 10 Ln/min (normal liters per minute), we produced similar to 76 g/h of O-2 and similar to 3 g/h of NOx using a 2.45 GHz waveguided reactor at 25 mbar, which is similar to 3.5 times Mars ambient pressure. The energy cost required to produce O-2 was similar to 0.013 kWh/g, which is very promising compared to recently concluded MOXIE experiments on the Mars surface. This marks a crucial step towards realizing the extension of human exploration |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Journal of CO2 utilization. - -
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Publication
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2024
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ISSN
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2212-9820
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DOI
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10.1016/J.JCOU.2024.102668
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Volume/pages
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80
(2024)
, p. 1-10
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Article Reference
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102668
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ISI
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001156084300001
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (open access)
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