Description: Faraday Technology and RoCo Global will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel material that can fit into the current NASA's spacesuit or portable life support system (PLSS) and that can be switched from a CO2 absorbing state (Scrubbing Mode) to a CO2 desorbing state (Regeneration Mode). This method will enable the capacity of the CO2 scrubber to be regenerated in theatre, without the typical carry along mass associated with the LiOH or Metal Oxide canister currently used by NASA in PLS system to remove CO2 from the ventilation loop while operating in a partial atmosphere such as that on Mars. Additionally, the scrubber will be capable of rapid regeneration in theatre operation without the use of high temperatures, chemical solvents, or vacuum. The resulting product of the SBIR activity will be the CO2 Absorbing Regenerable Scrubber (CAReS) Cartridge prototype and design for NASA's PLS system. Phase I will mitigate technical risks and establish the viability of the approach to first selectively absorb CO2 at a high capacity, followed by regeneration of the CO2-absorbing material, over multiple cycles, for a range of environmental conditions. Phase II will optimize and finalize the cartridge design, such that operational and environmental testing.

Benefits: This CO2 Absorbing Regenerable Scrubber (CAReS) Cartridge can fit into the current NASA's spacesuit or portable life support system (PLSS) and that can be switched from a CO2 absorbing state (Scrubbing Mode) to a CO2 desorbing state (Regeneration Mode). This program addresses NASA's need for effectively eliminate CO2 from the ventilation loop while operating in a Mars atmosphere and vacuum that can extend mission safety, durability, and lifetime. Furthermore, the Scrubber system can be safely regenerated in the field or during missions without requiring the use of chemical solvents or high temperatures. The terrestrial application for the CO2 Absorbing Regenerable Scrubber (CAReS) cartridge will be in rebreather. The rebreather having applications in various sector such as diving, firefighter and medical industries. In specific, A rebreather for diving is a type of breathing apparatus that recycles the diver's breath by removing carbon dioxide and replenishing oxygen, allowing for longer dives and reduced gas consumption compared to traditional scuba equipment. Rebreather for Diving Market is growing at a faster pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period i.e. 2020 to 2027.