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A group of Chinese scientists has created a unique catalyst for the release of oxygen on Mars, using local resources and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The basis of this breakthrough was "AI-chemist" — an algorithm that performs all stages of chemical research: from creating a formula to synthesizing materials and testing them. The catalyst is based on Martian rocks and contains elements found on Mars, including manganese, iron, nickel, magnesium, aluminum and calcium. The automation of research has made it possible to significantly reduce the time of scientific developments, which is equivalent to more than 2 years of traditional work.
The work began with the analysis of five types of rocks that are most likely on the surface of Mars. AI analyzed over 3,7 million possible combinations of chemical compounds using data from 243 experiments and over 30 theoretical models. As a result of this process, a "polymetallic catalyst" was created, which has optimal properties for the decomposition of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. Thanks to this approach, it was possible to adapt the material to conditions as close as possible to Martian conditions.
The synthesis of the catalyst took place in the laboratory using a robotic system that worked with meteorite rock treated with hydrochloric acid. All steps, including centrifugation at an acceleration of 7 g, drying of the sediment and sample processing, were performed without human intervention. This approach ensured high-precision manufacturing of the material and minimized the risk of errors inherent in human intervention.
After the completion of the laboratory stage, the catalyst was successfully tested in conditions simulating the Martian atmosphere. Its efficiency was comparable to terrestrial counterparts, but for its practical use in Martian expeditions, integration into the oxygen production system is necessary. In addition, the scientists emphasized that this approach significantly reduces the cost of transporting materials from Earth, which is a key factor in planning long-duration space missions.
It is important to note that, despite the success in the automation of the process, the application of the technology in real conditions remains a difficult task. The development demonstrates the enormous potential of AI in solving tasks related to the use of local resources in space research. However, scientists do not rule out that the delivery of ready-made catalysts from Earth may remain an alternative until production technologies on Mars become more stable.
This research is an important step in the direction of ensuring the autonomy of future space expeditions, because using the resources of another planet significantly reduces costs and expands the horizons of colonization. The work of Chinese scientists serves as an example of the integration of AI into complex technological processes, which opens up new opportunities for space exploration and development.
