Japan developed a technology to kill bacteria and deodorize the universe

Fujico Metallurgical Company based in Kitakyushu City and the Japan Aerospace Research and Development Agency (JAXA) are working together on the research on the technology of sterilizing and deodorizing spacecraft through the Use of optical catalysts.

The goal of this research project is to create a fresh and pleasant atmosphere for astronauts. This new technology is expected to further promote people's ability to explore the universe, such as a project to bring people to Mars.

In fact, what one cannot transmit between astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to humans on the ground is 'smell'. According to JAXA, the main cause of unpleasant odors on spacecraft is because organic substances exist in the sweat of astronauts emitting daily.

Photo: hurriyetdailynews.com

On the ISS, which is equipped with an air cleaning system and is often supplemented with clean air every time the goods and supplies from the Earth are posted, cleaning up the air is not a big deal. However, the most worrying thing is that it is impossible to eliminate all the odors caused by goods, materials and bacteria. In particular, if the project brought people to Mars into reality, it only takes about three years to go back and forth, from which the problem of how to ensure a clean environment in the spacecraft is a closed space.

JAXA said it was interested in studying this issue many years ago and judged Japan is now the leading country in the development of optical catalytic technology.

Optical catalysts have electronic properties when they come into contact with light and produce redox reactions in the air, turning harmful substances into harmless. Fujico uses titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ) as an optical catalyst. Under the new technology, optical catalysts will be sprayed on a host like bricks to create a thick and durable film. JAXA appreciates Fujico technology for material durability as well as its applicability to products used on ISS. In the short term, the agency is considering a plan to stick sheets with TiO ₂ film layers on the inner walls of the spacecraft.

Previously, in September 2014, Fujico and JAXA reached an agreement to collaborate on research and data collection, and will evaluate the performance of new materials through experiments. If optical catalysts meet the standards, they will be deployed at Japan's Kiboh Research Department. Specifically, these films will be installed in the air intake vents of air conditioners. The research team will calculate the actual use efficiency of this new material.