Science has found a great solution to create oxygen right on Mars

People are now aiming to conquer Mars, and even further places in the universe. However, to accomplish this goal, we have too many things to solve. One of them is how to supply enough and reproduce oxygen in the universe.

And recently, it seems that we have found a way to solve this problem, with the invention of experts from the Cailfornia Institute of Technology (Caltech). According to the announcement, they have found a way to extract oxygen from carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), which can be applied to regenerate oxygen in a closed environment, and is even a better solution to solve. greenhouse gas problem right on Earth.

Scientists have found a way to extract oxygen from carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), which can be applied to regenerate oxygen in a closed environment.(Illustration).

The research is published in Nature Communications. Chemical reactions that produce oxygen will require energy - mainly heat and kinetic energy. Experts say their method is inspired by how comets emit water molecules when moving . These molecules will accelerate through the Sun's wind, then release oxygen when falling to the same comet.

But comets also release CO ₂ , so the team wants to find out what happens to this gas. They performed experiments to accelerate CO ₂ molecules , causing them to collide with gold metal surfaces. The reason for using gold is because this is an inert metal, there is no reaction to the oxygen produced (if any).

Accelerate CO ₂ , to collide with gold metal surface to extract oxygen

And the device's really works.After accelerating CO ₂ released oxygen , and that would be a great solution for long-term journeys in the universe - such as Mars.

This device works like a molecular accelerator. The carbon dioxide molecule is ionized, loses its electrons, then accelerates by magnetic fields and collides with the metal surface. A strong impact will push the oxygen out.

However, the machine still has drawbacks, such as its effectiveness. Of a total of 100 accelerated CO ₂ molecules, only 1-2 oxygen atoms appear. That is, the success rate is only 1% - 2%.

"This is not the final product. It is not the device that helps us conquer Mars. But it has done a very hard job, and created a really great potential" - quoted Professor Konstantinos. P. Giapis, research author.