Carbon dioxide concentration for manned spacecraft using a molten carbonate electrochemical cell

Abstract

A high‐temperature molten carbonate electrochemical cell has been tested for use as a carbon dioxide concentrator in a manned spacecraft. Carbon dioxide is removed from a stream of cabin air supplied to the cathode of the bench scale cell. It is then concentrated through the molten carbonate electrolyte to the anode. The anode is fed either hydrogen (energy producer) or nitrogen (substance producer). Performance variation with gas flow rate, cell temperature, carbon dioxide partial pressure, and current are presented and analyzed.