Carbon dioxide removing from space vehicles

Anhydrous lithium hydroxide [1310-65-2], LiOH, is obtained by heating the monohydrate above 100°C. The salt melts at 462°C. Anhydrous lithium hydroxide is an extremely efficient absorbent for carbon dioxide (qv). The porous stmcture of the salt allows complete conversion to the carbonate with no efficiency loss in the absorption process. Thus LiOH has an important role in the removal of carbon dioxide from enclosed breathing areas such as on submarines or space vehicles. About 750 g of lithium hydroxide is required to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by an individual in a day. 

Certain issues of product instability may be resolved by formulation or careful selection of vehicle. Aminophylline injection, for example, is a solution of the drug in Water for Injections free from carbon dioxide, as the presence of this gas causes precipitation of the active. Similarly, promethazine injection is a solution of the active in Water for Injections free from dissolved air as the presence of oxygen would cause promethazine oxidation. Removal of these gases can be accomplished by prior boiling additionally the product may be packed under an atmosphere of nitrogen to eliminate oxygen from the head space in the ampoule. 

Solid lithium hydroxide has been used in space vehicles to remove exhaled carbon dioxide from the living environment. The products are solid lithium carbonate and liquid water. What mass of gaseous carbon dioxide can 1.00 X 10 g of lithium hydroxide absorb ... 

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