A report proposes the development of a thin-film fuel cell that would generate electric power from two minor constituents of the Martian atmosphere — O2 and CO. These compounds are generated continuously by photolysis of CO2, the major constituent. The fuel cell would include a cathode and an anode made of catalysts suitable for the selective low-temperature electrochemical reduction of O2 and oxidation of CO, respectively. It would also include a hygroscopic gel electrolyte.
This work was done by Joseph Lewis and Christopher England of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Indigenous Martian Atmospheric Power (IMAP)," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category.
NPO-30123
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Fuel Cell Would Generate Power From Martian Atmosphere
(reference NPO-30123) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document presents a proposal for the development of a thin-film fuel cell capable of generating electric power from the Martian atmosphere, specifically utilizing two minor constituents: oxygen (O₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gases are continuously produced through the photolysis of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the primary component of the Martian atmosphere. The fuel cell design includes a cathode and an anode made from catalysts that facilitate the selective low-temperature electrochemical reduction of O₂ and the oxidation of CO, respectively.
The operational mechanism of the fuel cell involves Martian wind flowing through the cell. As the wind first encounters the cathode, it becomes depleted of oxygen. Subsequently, as it passes the anode, it is depleted of carbon monoxide. The reactions occurring at the cathode and anode result in the generation of electric energy and the conversion of CO into CO₂. The fuel cell is designed to produce an output potential of approximately 1 volt, with the capability of generating a maximum of 19.4 joules of energy for each cubic meter of Martian atmospheric gas processed.
Key challenges identified in the development of this fuel cell include the selection of appropriate catalyst materials for both the cathode and anode, as well as ensuring the design is suitable for the low-temperature and low-pressure conditions prevalent on Mars. The research was conducted by Joseph Lewis and Christopher England from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The document also includes a disclaimer stating that the information provided does not imply any endorsement by the United States Government or JPL and that the work was carried out under a contract with NASA. Overall, this innovative fuel cell technology represents a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions for future Mars exploration and potential colonization, leveraging the unique atmospheric conditions of the planet to generate power efficiently.
