Group 1
Our module is reliant upon its ability to allow the algae inside to use carbon dioxide and release oxygen. To contain the algae, plastic tubes are needed, but most plastics do not allow for the diffusion of CO2 and O2 (a reactant and a product of photosynthesis respectively). Two solutions to this problem were to either pump in CO2 into the module or find a plastic that would passively diffuse both CO2 and O2.
To save on cost, parts, time, and to allow for a simpler, smaller, and lighter solution it was decided to forego a gas pump and instead research a plastic specifically designed to diffuse the afforementioned gases.
After many hours of searching through multiple webpages, a plastic that fit this description was found: polysulfone. It can withstand household temperature ranges, the pressure exerted by the water, and the pH of the culture.
Polysulfone resin can be purchased at a price of $1,150/ 25 kg (55.1 lbs), or roughly $46/kg ($20/lb).
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