Power on the Dark Side: Stimulus-Responsive Adsorbents for Low-Energy Controlled Storage and Delivery of Low Boiling Fuels to Mobile Assets in Permanently Shaded Regions

Status: Active

Start Date: 2025-05-01

End Date: 2028-05-31

Description: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) powered by oxygen and methane represent a promising technology for providing sustainable and long-duration power to both mobile and stationary assets in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) on the Lunar and Martian surface. However, the storage, transport, and delivery of the necessary quantifies of these low-boiling fuels to achieve desired power durations requires intensive, heavy physical infrastructure. In response, we will study, develop, and deliver synthetic porous materials capable of both: (i) long-duration storage of large quantities of oxygen and methane under milder conditions with lighter infrastructure, and (ii) on-demand delivery of the payloads to SOFCs in PSRs with highly controlled capacities, pressures, rates, and minimal energy input

Lead Organization: Colorado School of Mines