Work

Direct Air Capture with Integrated Electrochemical Conversion through Combined Solid and Liquid Sorbents

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Direct air capture and CO 2 conversion will play vital roles in a future circular carbon economy. Here, we propose a novel system for integrated CO 2 capture and conversion through the combined use of solid and liquid sorbents and demonstrate its technical feasibility. CO 2 is initially captured from the air using an amine-functionalized solid sorbent that is regenerated by rinsing with an aqueous carbonate-rich solution. The resulting bicarbonate-rich solution is fed to an electrolyzer, converting the bicarbonate electrolyte to syngas. Through our experiments, we demonstrate that the dual-sorbent system is capable of capture from air as well as solid sorbent regeneration and CO 2 conversion. We use a simplified process model based on experimental results to explore the effects of scaling the components of the proposed system. We find that the pH-swing between the rich and lean solutions is a dominant design parameter, which is almost exclusively governed by the electrolyzer sizing. A small pH swing results in an improved electrolyzer performance and beneficial syngas composition, whereas a large pH swing results in efficient solid sorbent use and decreased water loss. Our results further highlight the fundamental trade-offs that are present when designing integrated capture and conversion systems.

Source: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c07683

Authors: Iris A. E. Burgers, Tim M. J. Nijssen, Saartje Feith, Ruud Kortlever, Earl L. V. Goetheer

Institution: Delft University of Technology

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

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500