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CNT-Based Smart Electrostatic Filters for Capturing Nanoparticulate Lunar Regolith

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNJ07JB21C
Agency Tracking Number: 067259
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: X3.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-01-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-07-23
Small Business Information
PO Box 80010
Austin, TX 78708-0010
United States
DUNS: 022552900
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Joel Tabb
 Principal Investigator
 (607) 272-0002
 jtabb@agavebio.com
Business Contact
 Noe Salazar
Title: Business Official
Phone: (512) 671-1369
Email: nsalazar@agavebio.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The abrasive, reactive, and ubiquitous nature of lunar regolith created significant and serious problems during the Apollo moon missions. In this Phase I, Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Randy Vander Wal of the Universities Space Research Association, propose to develop next generation smart filters using novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based structures in electrostatic devices. Since CNTs have extremely high surface area, can function without the mass transfer limitations of traditional filtrations systems, and they can be charged to emit very high charge densities, they constitute an ideal material for integration into spacecraft air handling systems as electrostatic filtration components. The overall goal of this program is to build upon the unique structural and electronic nature of carbon nanotubes to create novel smart filters. By synthesizing the CNTs in situ on solid mesh supports and integrating them into a novel electrostatic particle collection unit, we aim to create novel filtration media capable of removing airborne lunar regolith from spacecraft airlock and cabin atmospheres.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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