Chinese scientists from Nanjing University have found a way to convert lunar soil into carbon dioxide, oxygen and fuel. These works are described in Joule.
During a long-term study of the possible use of lunar resources (soil and solar energy) to facilitate human scientific activity on the Moon, experts found that the soil obtained from the satellite can serve as a catalyst for obtaining the necessary substances. The samples were delivered by the Chinese Chang'e 5 spacecraft, and high levels of iron and titanium were also detected in them.
At the moment, the team of scientists plans to test the synthesis system in space, probably in future lunar missions of China with astronauts. Although the effectiveness of lunar soil as a catalyst is less than that of terrestrial samples, researchers continue to test various approaches to optimize the method. For example, the melting of lunar soil into nanostructured high-entropy material.
In April, Russian specialists from the Kurchatov Institute proposed a robot project capable of extracting water from the Moon's soil. According to the idea of the developers, the device will provide water for the future lunar station and refueling of rocket engines.