Liquid Sorbent Carbon Dioxide Removal System

About this technology

Overview

Innovators at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), in collaboration with Jacobs Technology, and IRPI, have developed a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective carbon dioxide (CO2) removal and dehumidification system. The new system is designed for ventilation applications and utilizes a gentle, passive, and direct air/liquid contactor. The contactor is composed of a bifurcating manifold with 3D printed corrugated walls, that contain capillary channels onto which thin films of liquid sorbent are deployed. The liquid is held in place by surface tension and capillary forces. As the liquid is exposed to the air, it absorbs carbon dioxide and humidity from the environment. NASA's new CO2 removal system has significant advantages over current CO2 scrubbers. For example, the new system eliminates the need for large blowers and compressors that force air at high velocities through adsorption-based systems using solid sorbents.