Difference between revisions of "Bosch reaction"

From Marspedia
Jump to: navigation, search
 
Line 1: Line 1:
The '''Bosch reaction''' is the exothermic reduction of [[carbon dioxide]] by [[hydrogen]] in the presence of a [[catalyst]] such as [[nickel]] to form [[water]] and elemental [[carbon]].<ref name="Crump">W.J. Crump - ''Issues and solutions for short-duration flights: A historical perspective on physiochemical systems'' in S.E. Churchill ed. ''Fundamentals of space life sciences'' vol. 2. 1997. ISBN 0-89464-051-8 pp. 273-276.</ref><br />
+
The '''Bosch reaction'''<ref>Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosch_reaction</ref> is the exothermic reduction of [[carbon dioxide]] by [[hydrogen]] in the presence of a [[catalyst]] such as [[nickel]] to form [[water]] and elemental [[carbon]].<ref name="Crump">W.J. Crump - ''Issues and solutions for short-duration flights: A historical perspective on physiochemical systems'' in S.E. Churchill ed. ''Fundamentals of space life sciences'' vol. 2. 1997. ISBN 0-89464-051-8 pp. 273-276.</ref><br />
 
<math>CO_2 + 2H_2 \rightarrow C + 2H_2O + heat</math>
 
<math>CO_2 + 2H_2 \rightarrow C + 2H_2O + heat</math>
  

Latest revision as of 12:34, 22 June 2021

The Bosch reaction[1] is the exothermic reduction of carbon dioxide by hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel to form water and elemental carbon.[2]

Uses

  • Preventing toxic carbon dioxide buildup in a spacecraft atmosphere[2].
  • Provides a source of carbon.
  • Results in production of either water or oxygen:
    • If the hydrogen for the process must come from water (most likely by electrolysis), the Bosch reaction results in a net release of oxygen for breathing, for water filter production, as a metallurgical additive or as a chemical reagent.
    • Alternatively, in an Earth-supported colony that shipped molecular hydrogen from Earth, it would allow water production from the Martian atmosphere (within the limits of available hydrogen).

Disadvantages

  • The catalyst requires regular cleaning or replacement due to the inhibiting effect of the layer of carbon that forms on it.[2]
  • The reaction only takes place at a fairly high temperature and so places a drain on energy and thermal control resources in a spacecraft/colony.[2]

See also

References

  1. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosch_reaction
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 W.J. Crump - Issues and solutions for short-duration flights: A historical perspective on physiochemical systems in S.E. Churchill ed. Fundamentals of space life sciences vol. 2. 1997. ISBN 0-89464-051-8 pp. 273-276.