A need exists for a process for separating oxygen from air which is highly selective, rapid, or minimal weight and bulk, and energy efficient. We propose to investigate a novel system in which oxygen is separated from air by a cyclic process; oxygen is first bound by an exothermic reaction at a transition metal site in a carrier molecule, and later released by a photochemical reaction induced by irradiating the carrier molecule. In phase i of this project we will demonstrate the feasibility of this concept, identify the most efficient carriers, and define operating parameters for a device using this technology. A prototype device will be constructed and tested in phase ii.
