Invention Reference Number
Direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide typically is done using solvent-based sorption, but it is notoriously difficult and expensive to get high DAC efficiency. This technology is a passive carbon dioxide capture system that uses a hybrid sorption system that overcomes the challenges of current technology. The hybrid consists of a polymer layer atop a liquid carbon dioxide sorbent, or amino acid solution, which enhances the sorption process by twofold. The charged polymer layer holds the sorbent at the aqueous surface, increasing carbon uptake and efficiency of the capture.
Description
This technology is a hybrid direct air carbon capture system, comprising a reusable carbon dioxide-permeable polymer layer placed atop an aqueous amino acid (AA) solution. This hybrid technology outperforms a traditional passive aqueous AA carbon dioxide sorption process by twofold. The process enhances solubility of carbon dioxide in the polymer layer and improves the transport of carbon dioxide into the aqueous phase via chemical gradients. The chemistry of the layer controls the barrier for carbon dioxide permeation and the concentration of reactive AAs. The carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate salt, collected, and regenerated for further use. This technology can be used in the design of novel passive DAC systems to help achieve negative emissions. The polymer-based layer serves as a membrane that separates two phases. This approach leverages advantages in the solubility and selectivity of carbon dioxide in polymer materials with enhanced transport into the amino acid-based solvents.
Industries and Applications
- Any industry working with carbon dioxide capture
- Passive direct air capture industries
Benefits
- Enhanced carbon dioxide capture
- More efficient process
- Increased carbon dioxide uptake
- Reduces interfacial barriers
- Improves distribution at the polymer-aqueous interface
- Can be used by households
- Easy to scale up
- Reusable
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
