How Oxygen is created in space

how oxygen is created through artificial photosynthesis in space:

Process Description:

Input Materials:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): This is captured from the cabin air or from external sources if available.

Water (H2O): Provided by the space station's water supply or recycled from urine and other moisture.

Catalyst Chamber:

The setup includes a chamber where a semiconductor catalyst is housed. This catalyst is key to the reaction.

Energy Input:

Light or electrical energy is used to activate the catalyst. Since natural sunlight isn't always available in space, artificial lighting or direct electrical stimulation is employed.

Chemical Reaction:

Photosynthesis-like Reaction: When activated, the catalyst splits water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). Simultaneously, it uses CO2 to produce other compounds like ethylene (C2H4):

Water Splitting: H2O → H2 + O2

CO2 Conversion: CO2 + H2 → C2H4 + O2 (simplified)

Output:

Oxygen (O2): The oxygen produced is collected for use in the station's life support systems.

By-products: Ethylene or other hydrocarbons can be stored for use as fuel or for other chemical processes.

Recycling and Efficiency:

The system is designed to be as closed-loop as possible, recycling water and possibly using the by-products like ethylene for further chemical synthesis or fuel.

Control and Monitoring:

Sensors and control systems monitor the efficiency of the reaction, the purity of the oxygen produced, and the condition of the catalyst, making adjustments as needed.

This process essentially mimics the way plants perform photosynthesis but in a controlled, artificial environment optimized for space conditions. 

It's an elegant solution for resource management in space, where every gram and every watt counts.