Researchers have discovered electrical properties within gypsum nanomaterials, which could be a promising solution for engineering sustainable habitats on Mars due to the abundance of this mineral.
By employing resources and methods currently used on the International Space Station and by NASA, this study examines the potential of nanomaterials in clean energy production and construction materials on Mars.
Utilizing solely sustainable manufacturing techniques, such as water-based chemistry and low-energy processes, the researchers from the University of Sussex have successfully identified electrical properties within gypsum nanomaterials, previously considered a waste product by NASA.
According to Dr. Conor Boland, this study builds upon existing research conducted by NASA. The researchers transform Martian gypsum, sourced from the planet’s surface, into nanomaterials suitable for various applications. These include clean hydrogen fuel production, development of electronic devices like transistors, and improvement of textile strength through additives.
In addition to paving the way for sustainable technology and construction on Mars, this breakthrough also emphasizes the broader potential for environmentally friendly advancements here on Earth.
To make the breakthrough the researchers used NASA’s progressive methodology for extracting water from Martian gypsum, whereby it’s dehydrated to get water for human consumption. This produces a byproduct referred to as anhydrite— conventionally thought-about a waste materials.
The Sussex researchers processed anhydrite into nanobelts – tagliatelle-shaped supplies – which can be utilized to make clear power programs and sustainable electronics. At each step of their course of, water could possibly be constantly collected and recycled.
Dr Boland mentioned: “We’re optimistic of the feasibility of this course of on Mars, because it requires solely naturally occurring supplies – every thing we used may, in concept, be replicated on the crimson planet. Arguably that is a very powerful objective in making the Martian colony sustainable from the outset.”
Whereas full-scale electronics manufacturing could also be impractical on Mars because of the lack of unpolluted rooms and sterile circumstances, the anhydrite nanobelts maintain promise for clear power manufacturing on Earth, and will, later down the road, nonetheless have a profound impact on sustainable power manufacturing on Mars.
