Work

Distributed direct air capture of carbon dioxide by synergistic water harvesting

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Adsorption-based direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide, using chemisorbents like solid amines, has been widely recognized as a sustainable measure to contain atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the productivity and economic viability of DAC have been compromised by the high energy consumption for regenerating the adsorbents. Here, we show that by synergistically harvesting water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, we can regenerate the unit using in situ vapor purge at low energy and capital cost. The desorption of CO2 is substantially enhanced in the presence of concentrated water vapors at around 100°C, concurrently producing 97.7% purity CO2 and fresh water without the use of vacuum pumps and steam boilers. Moreover, we demonstrate that the DAC prototype can also be powered by sunlight, which recovers 98% of the adsorbed CO2, with 20% less energy demand, enabling sustainable carbon capture from air in a real distributed manner.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53961-4

Authors: Yongqiang Wang, Longbing Qu, Hui Ding, Paul Webley, Gang Kevin Li

Institutions: Tianjin University, The University of Melbourne, Monash University

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,790