Bosch reaction
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]
Contents
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
- ↑ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosch_reaction
- ↑ Jump up to: 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.