In-situ resource utilization (ISRU): Using optical fibers to produce H2O2, H2 or other resources from water (Invited Paper)

The synthesis of chemicals essential for human life support, manufacturing, and energy during lunar or Martian explorations is critical. We have successfully integrated a variety of nanoscale photocatalysts into semiporous cladding on side-emitting optical polymeric fibers. This system efficiently produces essential resources such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydrogen (H₂), and other valuable compounds (e.g., formic acid) from water, while enabling bubble-free delivery of dissolved gases (e.g., O₂, CO₂). This presentation outlines the principles behind the manufacturing of our optical fibers and demonstrates their resource production capabilities.