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Podder S, Jungi H, Mitra J. In Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality: Progresses and Innovations in Sorbents for Direct Air Capture of CO 2. Chemistry 2025; 31:e202500865. [PMID: 40192268 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202500865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2025] [Revised: 04/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025]
Abstract
Direct air capture (DAC) is of immense current interest, as a means to facilitate CO2 capture at low concentrations (∼400 ppm) directly from the atmosphere, with the aim of addressing global warming caused by excessive anthropogenic CO2 production. Traditionally, DAC of CO2 has relied on amine scrubbing and metal carbonate /hydroxide solutions. However, recent years have seen notable progress in DAC sorbents, with key advancements aimed at improving efficiency, capacity, and regenerability while reducing energy consumption. This review delivers an exhaustive analysis of contemporary developments in DAC sorbents, addressing the innovations in material design and consequent performance enhancement. The limitations of the sorbents have also been discussed, with future perspectives for improving sustainable CO2 capture strategies. We anticipate that this overview will help lay the groundwork for further development and large-scale implementation of sustainable sorbents and cutting-edge technologies toward attaining carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumana Podder
- IMC Division, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Hiren Jungi
- IMC Division, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Joyee Mitra
- IMC Division, CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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2
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Lee JJ, Plante L, Pian B, Marecos S, Medin SA, Klug JD, Reid MC, Gadikota G, Gazel E, Barstow B. Bio-accelerated weathering of ultramafic minerals with Gluconobacter oxydans. Sci Rep 2025; 15:15134. [PMID: 40307501 PMCID: PMC12043915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-99655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Ultramafic rocks are an abundant source of cations for CO2 mineralization (e.g., Mg) and elements for sustainability technologies (e.g., Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Al). However, there is no industrially useful process for dissolving ultramafic materials to release cations for CO2 sequestration or mining them for energy-critical elements. Weathering of ultramafic rocks by rainwater, release of metal cations, and subsequent CO2 mineralization already naturally sequesters CO2 from the atmosphere, but this natural process will take thousands to hundreds of thousands of years to remove excess anthropogenic CO2, far too late to deal with global warming that will happen over the next century. Mechanical acceleration of weathering by grinding can accelerate cation release but is prohibitively expensive. In this article we show that gluconic acid-based lixiviants produced by the mineral-dissolving microbe Gluconobacter oxydans accelerate leaching of Mg2+ by 20× over deionized water, and that leaching of Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni further improves by 73% from 24 to 96 h. At low pulp density (1%) the G. oxydans biolixiviant is only 6% more effective than gluconic acid. But, at 60% pulp density the G. oxydans biolixiviant is 3.2× more effective than just gluconic acid. We demonstrate that biolixiviants made with cellulosic hydrolysate are not significantly worse than biolixiviants made with glucose, dramatically improving the feedstock available for bioleaching. Finally, we demonstrate that we can reduce the number of carbon atoms in the biolixiviant feedstock (e.g., glucose or cellulosic hydrolysate) needed to release one Mg2+ ion and mineralize one atom of carbon from CO2 from 525 to 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Lee
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Luke Plante
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Brooke Pian
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- REEgen, Inc., Praxis Center for Venture Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sabrina Marecos
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sean A Medin
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- REEgen, Inc., Praxis Center for Venture Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jacob D Klug
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Matthew C Reid
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Greeshma Gadikota
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Esteban Gazel
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Cornell University, 4164 Snee Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Buz Barstow
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Cornell University, 228 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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Crîstiu D, You F, d’Amore F, Bezzo F. Strategic Design and Multiperiod Optimization under Uncertainty of Solid Sorbent Direct Air Capture Supply Chains in Europe. Ind Eng Chem Res 2025; 64:5493-5510. [PMID: 40092364 PMCID: PMC11907705 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.4c04040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2025] [Accepted: 02/23/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
This study develops a multiperiod mixed-integer linear programming model for strategic planning of direct air capture (DAC) supply chains across Europe aiming at minimizing overall costs under uncertainty. DAC is pivotal for achieving net-zero targets and removing CO2 from the atmosphere to enable negative emissions. The optimization considers uncertainty in key parameters to ensure resilient decision-making. The model incorporates the influence of ambient air conditions on DAC performance, with temperature and humidity impacting productivity and energy consumption. Country-specific energy costs and greenhouse gas emission factors are accounted for, impacting the net cost of CO2 removal. Results indicate that with ambitious targets, technology learning curves, and renewable electricity transition, costs can fall to approximately 121 €/t CO2 by 2050, with 108 €/t attributed to capture costs. The findings highlight the importance of technological advancements and provide a systematic framework for policymakers to design resilient and cost-effective supply chains for large-scale deployment, positioning DAC as a potential decarbonization alternative for hard-to-abate emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crîstiu
- CAPE-Lab—Computer-Aided
Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fengqi You
- Robert
Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Federico d’Amore
- CAPE-Lab—Computer-Aided
Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bezzo
- CAPE-Lab—Computer-Aided
Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
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4
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Oh S, Greene J, Honegger M, Michaelowa A. Review of Economics and Policies of Carbon Dioxide Removal. CURRENT SUSTAINABLE/RENEWABLE ENERGY REPORTS 2025; 12:6. [PMID: 40083478 PMCID: PMC11905288 DOI: 10.1007/s40518-025-00252-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2025]
Abstract
Purpose of review Despite the increasing political attention and support, the high costs of many carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies remain a barrier to their large-scale deployment. We provide an overview of the economics for two key CDR options - BECCS and DACCS - and review proposed and existing CDR policies to address the "CDR gap" in achieving the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. Summary Although we lack detailed cost breakdowns of actual projects, our review suggests that the cost range for BECCS is generally lower than that for DACCS. The key cost parameter for BECCS is the sustainability of biomass feedstock, and for DACCS the energy intensity. Recent Findings Cost estimates for DACCS have increased due to experiences from commercial operation, for BECCS they are increasingly differentiated according to the sustainability of feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyoung Oh
- Climate Policy Lab, The Fletcher School, Tufts University, 160 Packard Ave, Medford, MA 02155 USA
| | - Jenna Greene
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Matthias Honegger
- Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, Freiburg im Breisgau, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Axel Michaelowa
- Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, Freiburg im Breisgau, Breisgau, Germany
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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5
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Liu B, Qian Z, Shi X, Su H, Zhang W, Kludze A, Zheng Y, He C, Yanagi R, Hu S. Solar-driven selective conversion of millimolar dissolved carbon to fuels with molecular flux generation. Nat Commun 2025; 16:1558. [PMID: 39939589 PMCID: PMC11821833 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
The direct utilization of dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater for CO2 conversion promises chemical production on-demand and with zero carbon footprint. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) CO2 reduction (CO2R) devices promise the sustainable conversion of dissolved carbon in seawater to carbon products using sunlight as the only energy input. However, the diffusion-dominant transport mechanism and the near-zero concentration of CO2(aq) (CO2 dissolved in aqueous solution) in static seawater has made it extremely challenging to achieve high solar-to-fuel (STF) efficiency and high carbon-product selectivity. Here, where CO2(aq) as a reactant generated in situ by acidification of HCO3- flows continuously from BiVO4 photoanodes to Si photocathodes, enabling a single-step conversion of dissolved carbon into products. Our PEC device significantly increases the CO selectivity from 3% to 21%, which approaches the 30% theoretical limit according to multi-physics modeling. Meanwhile, the Si/BiVO4 PEC CO2R device achieved a STF efficiency of 0.71%. Such flow engineering achieves flow-dependent selectivity, rate, and stability in simulated seawater, thus promising practical solar fuel production at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zheng Qian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiang Shi
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Haoqing Su
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Atsu Kludze
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuze Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengxing He
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rito Yanagi
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shu Hu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Energy Sciences Institute, Yale West Campus, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Pratama YW, Gidden MJ, Greene J, Zaiser A, Nemet G, Riahi K. Learning, economies of scale, and knowledge gap effects on power generation technology cost improvements. iScience 2025; 28:111644. [PMID: 39868052 PMCID: PMC11761306 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Cost reductions are essential for accelerating clean technology deployment. Because multiple factors influence costs, traditional one-factor learning models, solely relying on cumulative installed capacity as an explanatory variable, may oversimplify cost dynamics. In this study, we disentangle learning and economies of scale effects at unit and project levels and introduce a knowledge gap concept to quantify rapid technological change's impact on costs. Our results show that a substantial proportion of cost declines in several technologies is attributable to economies of scale rather than learning processes. Thus, relying on one-factor learning may underestimate cost declines during upscaling periods for technologies with strong economies of scale effects and overestimate reductions for those approaching maximum size. Notably, the knowledge gap concept can endogenously capture how rapidly technology sizes can evolve through learning. These insights can improve decision-making and highlight the benefits of separating learning and economies of scale effects to estimate technology costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoga W. Pratama
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Lower Austria, Austria
| | - Matthew J. Gidden
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Lower Austria, Austria
| | - Jenna Greene
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Zaiser
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gregory Nemet
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Keywan Riahi
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Lower Austria, Austria
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7
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Dickinson-Cove A, La Plante E, Liu Y, Simonetti D, Hoek EMV, Sant G, Jassby D. Reactive carbon capture using saline water: evaluation of prospective sources, processes, and products. Chem Soc Rev 2025; 54:116-151. [PMID: 39576205 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00701h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
Abstract
Reactive carbon capture (RCC) processes involve the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and conversion to a value-added product using a single sorbent/reaction medium. Not only can RCC processes generate valuable byproducts that can reduce the cost of carbon capture, but RCC tends to have lower energy demand than processes involving the transfer of CO2 between the mediums used for capture and subsequent reactions. Saline water has been proposed as a potential medium for RCC due to it's relative abundance and low cost. Additionally, the composition and chemistry of many saline water sources: (1) elevates the CO2 content (as compared to atmospheric concentrations), (2) provides various cations that can form valuable products with CO2, and (3) enhances the kinetics of chemical reactions used to convert CO2 to stable byproducts. In addition to established industrial processes for converting CO2 into inert or valuable byproducts, we found 20 new processes and technologies that have been developed specifically to capture and convert CO2 using saline water. Both preexisting and emerging processes can be broadly classified as electrochemical or chemical titration processes. When assessing the potential viability of applying any of these processes for large scale carbon capture, several factors must be considered, such as the net carbon footprint of the process, the market size, location of customers and value of the end product, the energy demand and chemical costs of the process, and any other environmental impacts. The feasability of many emerging saline-based RCC processes is difficult to determine, as many technologies were tested using synthetic saline waters and/or concentrated CO2 sources. Notwithstanding the early stage of development of many saline-based RCC technologies, the major limitation to implementation of this approach to carbon capture is the mismatch in the scale of the markets for products of saline-based RCC and the scale of carbon capture needed to meet climate goals. However, because the products of many of the processes reviewed here are stable and non-hazardous, these technologies may also be used for carbon sequestration efforts where the products are managed as waste, in which case the carbon capture potential of these technologies can surpass the market-imposed limitations on RCC. Thus, the potential benefits of saline water-based RCC identified in this review encourage further study and development of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Dickinson-Cove
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA.
| | - Erika La Plante
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77251, USA
| | - Dante Simonetti
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA.
| | - Eric M V Hoek
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA.
- Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94272, USA
| | - Gaurav Sant
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA.
- Institute for Carbon Management, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
| | - David Jassby
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA.
- Institute for Carbon Management, University of California, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
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Thakkar HV, Ruba AJ, Matteson JA, Dugas MP, Singh RP. Accelerated Testing of PEI-Silica Sorbent Pellets for Direct Air Capture. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:45970-45982. [PMID: 39583703 PMCID: PMC11579769 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c05639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
Amine-based sorbents have shown exceptional CO2 uptake for direct air capture (DAC). However, amine degradation is a major issue for this class of materials, hindering their deployment for large-scale DAC. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of polyethylenimine (PEI) sorbents was conducted to understand their degradation under process-relevant environments for the DAC of CO2. A solvent-minimized silica-supported PEI-sorbent powder synthesis method using centrifugal mixing was developed. Unlike traditional solvent-assisted impregnated sorbent synthesis methods, the centrifugal mixing method enabled a 94% reduction in volatile and toxic organic solvent use in pelletized sorbent synthesis. The pelletized sorbents exhibited CO2 adsorption capacities consistent with traditional fabrication methods for PEI-based solid sorbents (about 1 mmol/g). The pelletized sorbent degradation behavior was evaluated at three different regeneration temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C) under nitrogen (N2), ambient air (21% O2), and saturated dry and wet (75% relative humidity (RH)) CO2 environments using fixed-bed breakthrough (BT) experiments. Additionally, accelerated testing (AT) protocols that mimic industrial DAC conditions were developed to assess the long-term stability of the PEI-silica pellets. Our results indicate that the sorbent degrades rapidly (ca. 94% within 24 h) at 120 °C in ambient air (21% O2), demonstrating the detrimental impact of oxygen when compared to an O2-free environment. AT performed for 100 h (equivalent to 33, 100, and 100 cycles) continuously at 80, 100, and 120 °C reveals that dry CO2-induced degradation of the PEI-silica sorbent pellets is 30-40% and 40-50% more than the degradation measured in wet CO2 and inert (pure N2) environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John A. Matteson
- Material Synthesis and Integrated
Devices (MPA-11) Group, Material, Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
| | - Michael P. Dugas
- Material Synthesis and Integrated
Devices (MPA-11) Group, Material, Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
| | - Rajinder P. Singh
- Material Synthesis and Integrated
Devices (MPA-11) Group, Material, Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
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9
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Rosen N, Welter A, Schwankl M, Plumeré N, Staudt J, Burger J. Assessment of the Potential of Electrochemical Steps in Direct Air Capture through Techno-Economic Analysis. ENERGY & FUELS : AN AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 2024; 38:15469-15481. [PMID: 39165636 PMCID: PMC11331561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c02202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Direct air capture (DAC) technologies are proposed to reduce the atmospheric CO2 concentration to mitigate climate change and simultaneously provide carbon as a feedstock independent of fossil resources. The currently high energy demand and cost of DAC technologies are challenging and could limit the significance of DAC processes. The present work estimates the potential energy demand and the levelized cost of capture (LCOC) of liquid solvent absorption and solid adsorption DAC processes in the long term. A consistent framework is applied to compare nonelectrochemical to electrochemical DAC processes and estimate the LCOC depending on the electricity price. We determine the equivalent cell voltage needed for the electrochemical steps to achieve comparable or lower energy demand than nonelectrochemical processes. The capital expenses (CapEx) of the electrochemical steps are estimated using analogies to processes that are similar in function. The results are calculated for a range of initial data of CapEx and energy demand to include uncertainties in the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Rosen
- Laboratory
of Chemical Process Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, 94315 Straubing, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicolas Plumeré
- Professorship
for Electrobiotechnology, Technical University
of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, 94315 Straubing, Germany
| | - Júnior Staudt
- Laboratory
of Chemical Process Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, 94315 Straubing, Germany
| | - Jakob Burger
- Laboratory
of Chemical Process Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, 94315 Straubing, Germany
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10
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Saad DM, Terlouw T, Sacchi R, Bauer C. Life Cycle Economic and Environmental Assessment of Producing Synthetic Jet Fuel Using CO 2/Biomass Feedstocks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9158-9174. [PMID: 38753974 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The aviation industry is responsible for over 2% of global CO2 emissions. Synthetic jet fuels generated from biogenic feedstocks could help reduce life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels. This study assesses three processes for producing synthetic jet fuel via the synthesis of methanol using water and atmospheric CO2 or biomass. A life cycle assessment and cost analysis are conducted to determine GHG emissions, energy demand, land occupation, water depletion, and the cost of producing synthetic jet fuel in Switzerland. The results reveal that the pathway that directly hydrogenates CO2 to methanol exhibits the largest reductions in terms of GHG emission (almost 50%) compared to conventional jet fuel and the lowest production cost (7.86 EUR kgJF-1); however, its production cost is currently around 7 times higher than the petroleum-based counterpart. Electrical energy was found to be crucial in capturing CO2 and converting water into hydrogen, with the sourcing and processing of the feedstocks contributing to 79% of the electric energy demand. Furthermore, significant variations in synthetic jet fuel cost and GHG emissions were shown when the electricity source varies, such as utilizing grid electricity pertaining to different countries with distinct electricity mixes. Thus, upscaling synthetic jet fuels requires energy-efficient supply chains, sufficient feedstock, large amounts of additional (very) low-carbon energy capacity, suitable climate policy, and comprehensive environmental analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri M Saad
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Energy and Process Systems Engineering, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Technology Assessment Group, Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Tom Terlouw
- Energy and Process Systems Engineering, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Separation Processes Laboratory, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
- Chair of Energy Systems Analysis, Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Romain Sacchi
- Technology Assessment Group, Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
| | - Christian Bauer
- Technology Assessment Group, Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen 5232, Switzerland
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11
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Lal A, You F. Climate sustainability through a dynamic duo: Green hydrogen and crypto driving energy transition and decarbonization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313911121. [PMID: 38527203 PMCID: PMC10998610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313911121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change persists as a pressing global issue due to high greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based energy sources. A transition to a greener energy matrix combined with carbon offsetting is imperative to mitigate the rate at which global temperature ascends. While countries have deployed faith in green hydrogen to accelerate worldwide decarbonization efforts, the concurrent rise of blockchain-operated crypto-applications, such as bitcoin, has exacerbated climate change concerns. In this study, we propose technological solutions that combine the green hydrogen infrastructure with bitcoin mining operations to catalyze environmental and socioeconomic sustainability in climate change mitigation strategies. Since the present state of crypto-operations undeniably contributes to worldwide carbon emissions, it becomes vital to explore opportunities for harnessing the widespread enthusiasm for bitcoin as an aid toward a sustainable and climate-friendly future. Our findings reveal that green hydrogen production, paired with crypto-operations, can accelerate the deployment of solar and wind power capacities to boost conventional mitigation frameworks. Specifically, leveraging the economic potential derived from green hydrogen and bitcoin for incremental investment in renewable energy penetration, this dynamic duo can enable capacity expansions of up to 25.5% and 73.2% for solar and wind power installations. Therefore, the proposed technological solutions that leverage green hydrogen and bitcoin mining, bolstered with appropriate policy interventions, can not only strengthen renewable power generation and carbon offsetting capacities but also contribute significantly to achieving climate sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorv Lal
- Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Fengqi You
- Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
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12
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Shah D, Nezam I, Zhou W, Proaño L, Jones CW. Isomorphous Substitution in ZSM-5 in Tandem Methanol/Zeolite Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of CO 2 to Aromatics. ENERGY & FUELS : AN AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY JOURNAL 2024; 38:2224-2234. [PMID: 38323028 PMCID: PMC10839831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c03755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Intensified reactors for conversion of CO2 to methanol (via hydrogenation) using metal oxide catalysts coupled with methanol conversion to aromatics in the presence of zeolites (e.g., H-ZSM-5) in a single step are investigated. Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in H-ZSM-5 are important sites in methanol aromatization reactions, and correlations of the reactivity with zeolite acid properties can guide reaction optimization. A classical way of tuning the acidity of zeolites is via the effect of the isomorphous substitution of the heteroatom in the framework. In this work, H-[Al/Ga/Fe]-ZSM-5 zeolites are synthesized with Si/T ratios = 80, 300, affecting the acid site strength as well as distribution of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. On catalytic testing of the H-[Al/Ga/Fe]-ZSM-5/ZnO-ZrO2 samples for tandem CO2 hydrogenation and methanol conversion, the presence of weaker Brønsted acid sites improves the aromatics selectivity (CO2 to aromatics selectivity ranging from 13 to 47%); however, this effect of acid strength was not observed at low T atom content. Catalytic testing of H-[B]-ZSM-5/ZnO-ZrO2 provides no conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons, showing that there is a minimum acid site strength needed for measurable aromatization reactivity. The H-[Fe]-ZSM-5-80/ZnO-ZrO2 catalyst shows the best catalytic activity with a CO2 conversion of ∼10% with a CO2 to aromatics selectivity of ∼51%. The catalyst is shown to provide stable activity and selectivity over more than 250 h on stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhrumil
R. Shah
- School
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Iman Nezam
- School
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Wei Zhou
- School
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, National Engineering
Laboratory for Green Chemical Productions of Alcohols, Ethers and
Esters, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Laura Proaño
- School
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Christopher W. Jones
- School
of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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13
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Sheppard TJ, Specht DA, Barstow B. Efficiency estimates for electromicrobial production of branched-chain hydrocarbons. iScience 2024; 27:108773. [PMID: 38283329 PMCID: PMC10821168 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In electromicrobial production (EMP), electricity is used as microbial energy to produce complex molecules starting from simple compounds like CO2. The aviation industry requires sustainable fuel alternatives that can meet demands for high-altitude performance and modern emissions standards. EMP of jet fuel components provides a unique opportunity to generate fuel blends compatible with modern engines producing net-neutral emissions. Branched-chain hydrocarbons modulate the boiling and freezing points of liquid fuels at high altitudes. In this study, we analyze the pathways necessary to generate branched-chain hydrocarbons in vivo utilizing extracellular electron uptake (EEU) and H2-oxidation for electron delivery, the Calvin cycle for CO2-fixation and the aldehyde deformolating oxygenase decarboxylation pathway. We find the maximum electrical-to-fuel energy conversion efficiencies to be 40.0 - 4.4 + 0.6 % and 39.8 - 4.5 + 0.7 % . For a model blend containing straight-chain, branched-chain, and terpenoid components, increasing the fraction of branched-chain alkanes from zero to 47% only lowers the electrical energy conversion efficiency from 40.1 - 4.5 + 0.7 % to 39.5 - 4.6 + 0.7 % .
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Sheppard
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - David A. Specht
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Buz Barstow
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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14
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Goldberg DS, Nawaz S, Lavin J, Slagle AL. Upscaling DAC Hubs with Wind Energy and CO 2 Mineral Storage: Considerations for Large-Scale Carbon Removal from the Atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21527-21534. [PMID: 38092028 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Continued fossil fuel emissions will increase CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere and could require removal of 10 Gt of CO2 per year or more to reach IPCC global climate goals. Large-scale construction of direct air capture (DAC) hubs to scrub CO2 from the atmosphere paired with geological storage is a prominent approach to potentially meet this target. We consider one location for theoretical scale-up of a DAC hub: the Kerguelen plateau in the Southern Indian Ocean which has high-potential renewable energy resources (wind) and large volumes of basalt rock for mineral storage. With consistent wind, previous studies indicate a hub in this location could collect approximately 75 Mt of CO2 annually, with conservative storage resources for 150-300 Mt of CO2 each year. Even with its immense wind and storage potentials, 14 Kerguelen-scale hubs would be needed to capture and store 1 Gt of CO2 per year. This brings into focus the important social, economic, and environmental trade-offs that must be considered in finding an acceptable balance between climate solutions, renewable energy requirements, and nature. Engaging public groups on these trade-off considerations will be crucial for gigaton scale-up of CO2 removal in just and responsible ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Goldberg
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964, United States
| | - Sara Nawaz
- Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy, American Unvisersity, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
| | - James Lavin
- Electron Storage, Inc., New York, New York 10025, United States
| | - Angela L Slagle
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964, United States
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15
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Merlo A, Duminica F, Daniel A, Léonard G. Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Technology Compared to Chromium Electrodeposition. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16103678. [PMID: 37241305 DOI: 10.3390/ma16103678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to the toxicity associated with chromium electrodeposition, alternatives to that process are highly sought after. One of those potential alternatives is High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF). In this work, a HVOF installation is compared with chromium electrodeposition from environmental and economic points of view by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) for the evaluation. Costs and environmental impacts per piece coated are then evaluated. On an economic side, the lower labor requirements of HVOF allow one to noticeably reduce the costs (20.9% reduction) per functional unit (F.U.). Furthermore, on an environmental side, HVOF has a lower impact for the toxicity compared to electrodeposition, even if the results are a bit more mixed in other impact categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Merlo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Liège, Quartier Agora B6a Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Florin Duminica
- Centre de Recherches Métallurgiques, CRMGroup, Avenue du Bois Saint-Jean, 21, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Alain Daniel
- Centre de Recherches Métallurgiques, CRMGroup, Avenue du Bois Saint-Jean, 21, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Grégoire Léonard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Liège, Quartier Agora B6a Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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16
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Datta A, Krishnamoorti R. Analysis of Direct Air Capture Integrated with Wind Energy and Enhanced Oil Recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2084-2092. [PMID: 36692891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Direct air capture (DAC) is a decarbonization solution to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The key challenges for accelerating DAC deployment are its energy requirements, high capital costs, and finding low-risk and low-cost sequestration or utilization pathways. Deploying DAC facilities proximal to sequestration or use sites and where the supply of low-cost renewable electricity is plentiful can minimize the energy, transportation, operational, and overall costs. Moreover, the increased 45Q tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 can further incentivize DAC deployment. This work provides a techno-economic assessment of two configurations: temperature swing adsorption-based DAC and membrane-based DAC integrated for operation with wind energy in West Texas to provide proximal access to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. We evaluate the levelized cost of DAC and the cumulative cost of sequestering a ton of CO2 through EOR to identify opportunities for economic viability. Finally, we determine the profitability of CO2 sequestration under different EOR recovery factors and oil prices. We find that opportunities to reduce costs through proximal sequestration, integration with renewable energy, and the current level of policy support in the US can significantly incentivize and rapidly accelerate the deployment of DAC, especially for membrane-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajita Datta
- Department of Political Science, University of Houston, Houston, Texas77204, United States
| | - Ramanan Krishnamoorti
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas77204, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas77204, United States
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17
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Sean McGivern W, Nguyen HGT, Manion JA. Improved Apparatus for Dynamic Column Breakthrough Measurements Relevant to Direct Air Capture of CO 2. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023; 62:10.1021/acs.iecr.2c04050. [PMID: 38496765 PMCID: PMC10941306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c04050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic column breakthrough (DCB) measurements are valuable for characterizing the adsorption of gaseous species by solid sorbents and are typically used for high concentrations of adsorptives, often at elevated temperatures and pressures. However, adsorbents for the direct capture of carbon dioxide from natural air demand measurement capability at low partial pressures of CO2 at atmospherically relevant temperatures and pressures. We have developed a new apparatus focused on the measurement of DCB curves under typical tropospheric conditions. The new apparatus is described in detail and validated with breakthrough curve measurements. Adsorption capacities are reported at (233.1 to 323.1) K and (351 to 1078) hPa for low carbon dioxide concentrations on 13X zeolite samples on the order of a few hundred milligrams. Measurement uncertainties related to timing, flow, temperature, and concentrations are analyzed and the present results at 273 K, 298 K, and 323 K are compared with static measurements obtained with a manometric adsorption analyzer. In addition, experiments at a typical atmospheric CO2 concentration of 400 μL · L-1 have been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Sean McGivern
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Huong Giang T Nguyen
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Jeffrey A Manion
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
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18
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Mitchell-Larson E, Allen M. Prosets: a new financing instrument to deliver a durable net zero transition. CLIMATIC CHANGE 2022; 174:15. [PMID: 36185778 PMCID: PMC9516513 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-022-03423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Interest in carbon offsetting is resurging among companies and institutions, but the vast majority of existing offerings fail to enable a credible transition to a durable net zero emission state. A clear definition of what makes an offsetting product "net zero compliant" is needed. We introduce the "proset", a new form of composite carbon credit in which the fraction of carbon allocated to geological-timescale storage options increases progressively, reaching 100% by the target net zero date, generating predictable demand for effectively permanent CO2 storage while making the most of the near-term opportunities provided by nature-based climate solutions, all at an affordable cost to the purchaser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Mitchell-Larson
- Oxford Net Zero & School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Myles Allen
- Oxford Net Zero, School of Geography and the Environment & Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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19
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Zhu X, Xie W, Wu J, Miao Y, Xiang C, Chen C, Ge B, Gan Z, Yang F, Zhang M, O'Hare D, Li J, Ge T, Wang R. Recent advances in direct air capture by adsorption. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:6574-6651. [PMID: 35815699 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00970b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Significant progress has been made in direct air capture (DAC) in recent years. Evidence suggests that the large-scale deployment of DAC by adsorption would be technically feasible for gigatons of CO2 capture annually. However, great efforts in adsorption-based DAC technologies are still required. This review provides an exhaustive description of materials development, adsorbent shaping, in situ characterization, adsorption mechanism simulation, process design, system integration, and techno-economic analysis of adsorption-based DAC over the past five years; and in terms of adsorbent development, affordable DAC adsorbents such as amine-containing porous materials with large CO2 adsorption capacities, fast kinetics, high selectivity, and long-term stability under ultra-low CO2 concentration and humid conditions. It is also critically important to develop efficient DAC adsorptive processes. Research and development in structured adsorbents that operate at low-temperature with excellent CO2 adsorption capacities and kinetics, novel gas-solid contactors with low heat and mass transfer resistances, and energy-efficient regeneration methods using heat, vacuum, and steam purge is needed to commercialize adsorption-based DAC. The synergy between DAC and carbon capture technologies for point sources can help in mitigating climate change effects in the long-term. Further investigations into DAC applications in the aviation, agriculture, energy, and chemical industries are required as well. This work benefits researchers concerned about global energy and environmental issues, and delivers perspective views for further deployment of negative-emission technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuancan Zhu
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Wenwen Xie
- Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131, Germany
| | - Junye Wu
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yihe Miao
- China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 3 Yinlian Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chengjie Xiang
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Chunping Chen
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Bingyao Ge
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Zhuozhen Gan
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Man Zhang
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Dermot O'Hare
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jia Li
- China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 3 Yinlian Road, Shanghai 201306, China.,Jiangmen Laboratory for Carbon and Climate Science and Technology, No. 29 Jinzhou Road, Jiangmen, 529100, China.,The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), No. 2 Huan Shi Road South, Nansha, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Tianshu Ge
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Ruzhu Wang
- Research Center of Solar Power & Refrigeration, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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20
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Marecos S, Brigham R, Dressel A, Gaul L, Li L, Satish K, Tjokorda I, Zheng J, Schmitz AM, Barstow B. Practical and Thermodynamic Constraints on Electromicrobially-Accelerated CO2 Mineralization. iScience 2022; 25:104769. [PMID: 35992063 PMCID: PMC9385556 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
By the end of the century, tens of gigatonnes of CO2 will need to be removed from the atmosphere every year to maintain global temperatures. Natural weathering of ultramafic rocks and subsequent mineralization reactions can convert CO2 into ultra-stable carbonates. Although this will draw down all excess CO2, it will take thousands of years. CO2 mineralization could be accelerated by weathering ultramafic rocks with biodegradable lixiviants. We show that if these lixiviants come from cellulosic biomass, this demand could monopolize the world’s biomass supply. We demonstrate that electromicrobial production technologies (EMP) that combine renewable electricity and microbial metabolism could produce lixiviants for as little as $200 to $400 per tonne at solar electricity prices achievable within the decade. We demonstrate that EMP could make enough lixiviants to sequester a tonne of CO2 for less than $100. This work highlights the potential of this approach and the need for extensive R&D. Bio-production of acids to sequester 20 GtCO2 yr−1 could monopolize global agriculture Electromicrobial production could produce acids for as little as $200 to $400 per tonne Electromicrobial production could make acids to sequester 1 tonne CO2 for under $100
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21
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Microalgae based production of single-cell protein. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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22
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Abstract
Climate change calls for adaptation of negative emission technologies such as direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide (CO2) to lower the global warming impacts of greenhouse gases. Recently, elevated global interests to the DAC technologies prompted implementation of new tax credits and new policies worldwide that motivated the existing DAC companies and prompted the startup boom. There are presently 19 DAC plants operating worldwide, capturing more than 0.01 Mt CO2/year. DAC active plants capturing in average 10,000 tons of CO2 annually are still in their infancy and are expensive. DAC technologies still need to improve in three areas: 1) Contactor, 2) Sorbent, and 3) Regeneration to drive down the costs. Technology-based economic development in all three areas are required to achieve <$100/ton of CO2 which makes DAC economically viable. Current DAC cost is about 2-6 times higher than the desired cost and depends highly on the source of energy used. In this review, we present the current status of commercial DAC technologies and elucidate the five pillars of technology including capture technologies, their energy demand, final costs, environmental impacts, and political support. We explain processing steps for liquid and solid carbon capture technologies and indicate their specific energy requirements. DAC capital and operational cost based on plant power energy sources, land and water needs of DAC are discussed in detail. At 0.01 Mt CO2/year capture capacity, DAC alone faces a challenge to meet the rates of carbon capture described in the goals of the Paris Agreement with 1.5-2°C of global warming. However, DAC may partially help to offset difficult to avoid annual emissions from concrete (∼8%), transportation (∼24%), iron-steel industry (∼11%), and wildfires (∼0.8%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihrimah Ozkan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Saswat Priyadarshi Nayak
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony D. Ruiz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wenmei Jiang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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23
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Wu X, Krishnamoorti R, Bollini P. Technological Options for Direct Air Capture: A Comparative Process Engineering Review. Annu Rev Chem Biomol Eng 2022; 13:279-300. [PMID: 35363505 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-102121-065047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The direct capture of CO2 from ambient air presents a means of decelerating the growth of global atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Considerations relating to process engineering are the focus of this review and have received significantly less attention than those relating to the design of materials for direct air capture (DAC). We summarize minimum thermodynamic energy requirements, second law efficiencies, major unit operations and associated energy requirements, capital and operating expenses, and potential alternative process designs. We also highlight process designs applied toward more concentrated sources of CO2 that, if extended to lower concentrations, could help move DAC units closer to more economical continuous operation. Addressing shortcomings highlighted here could aid in the design of improved DAC processes that overcome trade-offs between capture performance and DAC cost. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Volume 13 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, USA; ,
| | - Ramanan Krishnamoorti
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, USA; ,
| | - Praveen Bollini
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77004, USA; ,
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24
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Kaneko Y, Lackner KS. Isotherm Model for Moisture-Controlled CO 2 Sorption. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:14763-14771. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01131j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Moisture-controlled sorption of CO2, the basis for moisture-swing CO2 capture from air, is a novel phenomenon observed in strong-base anion exchange materials. Prior research has shown that Langmuir isotherms provide...
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