New soil catalyst will allow plants to grow on Mars

Researchers explained that on the surface of Mars there is a substance called perchlorate, it is present

there in huge concentrations.On Earth, it is a dangerous pollutant that can cause serious problems with the thyroid gland and lungs. This problem has led many countries to remove it from drinking water and food. This is done using complex, multi-step methods that require extreme temperatures and conditions.

Now a group of scientists have developedbioinspired catalyst that simplifies the perchlorate removal process and breaks down 99% of the contaminant at ambient temperature and pressure. The results obtained make it possible to create "a water-compatible, efficient and reliable catalyst for the decomposition and utilization of [perchlorate] for water purification and space exploration."

The first images of the landing site of the Chinese Mars rover have been published

To achieve this result, scientistsdeveloped a system based on molybdenum, a metal that microbes use in the enzymatic collection of perchlorate. Using a mixture of conventional fertilizer containing molybdenum, a bipyridine binding molecule, a catalyst, palladium on carbon, and hydrogen gas, the researchers were able to quickly break down perchlorate in water at room temperature.

Researchers have also demonstrated that rheniumcan improve the stability and self-sustainability of this catalyst design. These two studies represent prototypes of technologies that could simplify the process of removing perchlorate on Earth and in future human missions to Mars.

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