US 12,145,099 B2
Membrane-based processing for ambient water-group species captured on the moon and in space
Eurica Californiaa, Laie, HI (US)
Filed by Eurica Californiaa, Laie, HI (US)
Filed on Jan. 27, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/773,950.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/796,699, filed on Jan. 25, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0156964 A1, May 21, 2020
Int. Cl. B01D 53/26 (2006.01); B01D 61/42 (2006.01); B01D 61/56 (2006.01); B01D 69/12 (2006.01); B01D 71/10 (2006.01); B01D 71/22 (2006.01); B01D 71/66 (2006.01); B01J 39/10 (2006.01); C02F 1/469 (2023.01); F24F 3/14 (2006.01); C25B 1/04 (2021.01)
CPC B01D 53/263 (2013.01) [B01D 61/427 (2013.01); B01D 61/56 (2013.01); B01D 69/12 (2013.01); B01D 71/10 (2013.01); B01D 71/22 (2013.01); B01D 71/66 (2013.01); B01J 39/10 (2013.01); C02F 1/4698 (2013.01); B01D 2252/30 (2013.01); B01D 2311/2603 (2013.01); B01D 2311/2623 (2013.01); B01D 2325/42 (2013.01); C25B 1/04 (2013.01); F24F 3/1417 (2013.01); F24F 2003/1435 (2013.01)] 30 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for a membrane-based processing of ambient water-group species captured from an outside environment within a region of outer space not within a homosphere, comprising:
a semipermeable membrane;
topside and underside electrode contacts disposed on respective topside and underside faces of the semipermeable membrane; and,
an ionic liquid disposed on the topside face of the semipermeable membrane on top of and in contact with the topside electrode contact as a drying agent to capture ambient water-group species from an outside environment within a region of outer space not within a homosphere, the ionic liquid being open to the outside environment;
wherein the electrode contacts are adapted to apply an electric potential difference across the semipermeable membrane when connected to an electrical power supply or when forming a closed electrical circuit, whereby upon applying the electric potential difference across the semipermeable membrane at least some of the water-group species captured by the ionic liquid from the outside environment are urged to pass through the semipermeable membrane; and,
wherein the ionic liquid has non-volatility to not evaporate into the outside environment, hygroscopy to capture the water-group species from the outside environment, and ionic conductivity to provide an electrically conductive medium in which the water-group species are mobile.