WATTGLASS, INC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z13

Description

The proposed graphene-based electrode materials for electrodynamic dust screens provides a unique approach to deposit both the conductive material and a high dielectric constant insulator in a single wet coating method. The laser reduction of graphene oxide will provide electrodes with improved electrical conductivity over current state of the art, while the non-reduced graphene oxide composite will demonstrate an improved dielectric constant and higher breakdown voltage. The resulting EDS array will exhibit higher flexibility than current ITO alternatives and will be processable on complex or highly curved surfaces. The proposed work will build on WattGlassrsquo;s existing knowledge base of liquid deposition of thin-film coatings at an industrial scale and our ongoing efforts to utilize graphene oxide to provide static-dissipative coatings for passive dust mitigation. Additionally, this work will utilize WattGlassrsquo;s developed capabilities to simulate lunar soiling and dust removal in a vacuum environment that includes UV and electron bombardment. At the end of the Phase I, a TRL of 4 is expected with the lab scale validation of an EDS electrode array. This will prepare for the anticipated Phase II research effort, where the electrode material will be further optimized, incorporated into an existing EDS prototype, and improved dust clearing will be demonstrated in one of NASArsquo;s lunar or Martian environmental test chambers. A TRL of 6 is expected at the conclusion of Phase II.