Electrolysis in reduced gravitational environments: current research perspectives and future applications
Year: 2022
Type: review
Abstract: Electrochemical energy conversion technologies play a crucial role in space missions, for example, in the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the International Space Station (ISS). They are also vitally important for future long-term space travel for oxygen, fuel and chemical production, where a re-supply of resources from Earth is not possible. Here, we provide an overview of currently existing electrolytic energy conversion technologies for space applications such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) and alkaline electrolyzer systems. We discuss the governing interfacial processes in these devices influenced by reduced gravitation and provide an outlook on future applications of electrolysis systems in, e.g., in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies. A perspective of computational modelling to predict the impact of the reduced gravitational environment on governing electrochemical processes is also discussed and experimental suggestions to better understand efficiency-impacting processes such as gas bubble formation and detachment in reduced gravitational environments are outlined.
Source: npj Microgravity
Institutions: University of Bremen, Freie Universität Berlin, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Technische Universität Dresden, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR), Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials Dresden, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, University of Glasgow, University of Warwick
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,170
Awards: G1156950650, G2372386683, G4659284417
OpenAlex ID: W4310673774