Assessment of the technological viability of photoelectrochemical devices for oxygen and fuel production on Moon and Mars.

ABSTRACT: Human deep space exploration is presented with multiple challenges, such as the reliable, efficient and sustainable operation of life support systems. The production and recycling of oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and fuels are hereby key, as a resource resupply will not be possible. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices are investigated for the light-assisted production of hydrogen and carbon-based fuels from CO₂ within the green energy transition on Earth. Their monolithic design and the sole reliance on solar energy makes them attractive for applications in space. Here, we establish the framework to evaluate PEC device performances on Moon and Mars. We present a refined Martian solar irradiance spectrum and establish the thermodynamic and realistic efficiency limits of

SUBMITTER: Ross B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10244351 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature