SBIR-STTR Award

High Efficiency Hydrogen Separation Membrane Module for Space Oxygen Recovery Systems
Award last edited on: 6/23/2022

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : MSFC
Total Award Amount
$884,892
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
H3.01
Principal Investigator
Zhong Tang

Company Information

Bettergy Corporation

8 John Walsh Boulevard Suite 321
Peekskill, NY 10566
   (914) 290-6293
   info@bettergy.com
   www.bettergy.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 17
County: Westchester

Phase I

Contract Number: 80NSSC20C0543
Start Date: 8/20/2020    Completed: 3/31/2021
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$124,968
NASA is developing several technologies that have the potential to increase the percentage of oxygen recovery from carbon dioxide, toward fully closing the Air Revitalization System loop. Methane pyrolysis recovers hydrogen from methane, making additional hydrogen available to react with carbon dioxide. Bettergy proposes to develop a robust, highly efficiency hydrogen separation assembly enabling the separation of hydrogen from hydrogen, hydrocarbon rich streams for the oxygen recovery system in the ISS. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The technology developed in this project will provide robust Oxygen Recovery System to recover hydrogen from methane that can be directly used in ISS Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Successful completion of the current program will make significant contribution toward development of the new technologies that can effectively produce hydrogen from various sources for hydrogen refueling stations, fuel-cell vehicle fleets, and other applications.

Phase II

Contract Number: 80NSSC21C0567
Start Date: 7/30/2021    Completed: 7/29/2023
Phase II year
2021
Phase II Amount
$759,924
NASA has been investing in several CO2 reduction technologies which face challenges in high temperature gas purification and/or separation for CO, H2, and hydrocarbon rich streams. A compact hydrogen purification assembly that can be readily installed and steadily operated in the human spacecraft environment is urgently sought. Being robust at high temperature, capable of efficient H2 separation and excellent hydrothermal stability and chemical resistance, Bettergy is developing composite zeolite membrane system that can separate hydrogen from the acetylene without occurrence of hydrogenation reaction. A two-stage configuration will be employed in the mode of continuous operation to obtain maximum H2 recovery (>95%) with acetylene rejection of >99%. This novel system will be an efficient and reliable unit for the hydrogen separation process in ISS to treat high temperature gas mixtures such as hydrogen and hydrocarbon rich streams. In the Phase II program, the membrane fabrication process will be optimized. Tubular/hollow fiber membrane modules will be fabricated, evaluated and delivered. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): A robust, highly efficiency separation system recovery for hydrogen separation without occurrence of hydrogenation reaction can provide additional hydrogen to react with CO2, which will be able to increase the percentage of oxygen recovery from carbon dioxide and realize a fully closing the Air Revitalization System (ARS) loop. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The system could potentially used for hydrogen production from various sources such as methane pyrolysis, water-gas-shift reaction, methane reforming and ammonia cracking. Duration: 24