In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Guerra, whose innovative work involves the exploration of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) on Mars using non-thermal plasmas and conducting membranes. Dr. Guerra discusses how plasmas can convert different molecules directly from the Martian atmosphere to create essential feed-stock and base chemicals for producing fuels, oxygen, building materials, and fertilizers.

We delve into the various types of plasma sources that operate based on different principles and the associated dominant physicochemical mechanisms. This variety allows for the exploration of distinct energy transfer pathways leading to CO2 dissociation, encompassing direct electron-impact processes, plasma chemistry mediated by vibrationally and electronically excited states, and thermally driven dissociation.

Dr. Guerra further ex ...