Extraterrestrial Electrochemistry - Challenges and Opportunities for Electrolytic in-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on Mars

Abstract

The sustained, long-term exploration of other heavenly bodies in the solar system necessitates the development of technological solutions that will free these missions from the constraints of resupply from Earth. Herein, we focus on electrochemical solutions for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) that will enable “living off the land” on Mars with a particular focus on life-support and fuel production. The constraints imposed by the operational environment and available resources are examined and some existing (demonstrated) electrolysis solutions are discussed. Building on this, knowledge gaps are identified, and a roadmap is proposed for future research focus at the component and device level.