Extraterrestrial fabrication of metal alloys

We intend to use solar radiation as the energy source on Mars, which also contributes towards an emission-free and energetically sustainable metallurgy on Earth.
© Joris Wegner, University of Bremen
Bacterias under the microscope.
© Patrick Pollmeier
Labwork at UFT, University of Bremen.
© Patrick Pollmeier
Bacteria growing on a bed of Martian regolith simulant at 75 degrees
© Antoine Carissimo
Cathode pellet for electrochemical reduction of regolith made of porous hematite.
© Reza Fayaz

Producing metallic materials in an extraterrestrial environment like the surface of the Moon or Mars is a challenging but essential task. We are developing a new electrochemical process for the synthesis of alloyed metal powders without using fossil carbon sources. Instead, we intend to use solar radiation as the energy source, which also contributes towards an emission-free and energetically sustainable metallurgy on Earth. In order to use regolith as the main elemental source, microorganisms will be employed both to selectively extract specific metal ions from the regolith and to actively support the electrochemical reduction. Advanced methods for the synthesis, characterization and theoretical modelling of regolith simulants will drive the development of a novel (bio)electrochemical reactor.

Project Leader

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lucio Colombi Ciacchi
Conrad Naber Endowed Chair
Hybrid Materials Interfaces
Production Engineering
University of Bremen

Am Fallturm 1, 28359 Bremen, DE
TAB-Building, Room 3.30
+49 421 218 64570
colombiprotect me ?!hmi.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.25.465696 preprint available open access: doi: http://biorxiv.org/lookup/doi/10.1101/2021.10.25.465696

The electrosynthesis of valuable compounds by…

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Extraterrestrial fabrication of metal alloys