It is well known that NASA has utopian projects related to space. The agency aims to eventually send humans to the Moon and Mars and establish colonies there. Of course, these ideas come with significant challenges, such as food and breathable air. However, scientists are actively searching for solutions to these problems.

The photoelectrochemical system (PEC) aims to produce oxygen from solar radiation.

NASA and other space agencies are working on significant projects for crewed Mars missions in the long run. However, transporting the necessary amount of oxygen for a human to survive on Mars or the Moon for months is costly and challenging. Scientists have taken on the task of addressing this issue.

A new research study from the University of Warwick outlines the details of a project that could be achieved by focusing on photoelectrochemical devices to produce oxygen. PEC-based oxygen production involves using semiconductor materials to directly separate water into hydrogen and oxygen gas using solar energy without generating electricity. The published article includes the following statement:

Unlike electrolyzer systems operating with PV, photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices integrate light absorption, charge separation and transfer, as well as catalytic processes. Recently, it has been demonstrated that PEC devices developed for sustainable solar-to-chemical energy conversion processes on Earth can be used to produce hydrogen in microgravity environments with terrestrial device efficiencies.

The Oxygen Generator Assembly (OSA) is already present on the International Space Station (ISS) for oxygen production. While the system is sufficient for the station’s needs, it falls short for long-duration projects like Mars and the Moon. The article highlights the development of the photoelectrochemical system (PEC) and addresses the limitations of the OSA.

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