Biocatalytic Membranes for Carbon Capture and Utilization

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Urgent need for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies to address the climate crisis.
• Development of renewable economy relies on converting captured CO₂ into valuable products.
• Biocatalytic membranes offer a promising hybrid approach for CO₂ capture and utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review technologies employing enzymes and membranes for CO₂ capture and utilization.
• To categorize CO₂ capture membranes and discuss enzyme classes used in membrane systems.
• To describe CO₂ conversion membranes, immobilization strategies, and cofactor regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on biocatalytic membranes for CO₂ capture and conversion.
• Categorization of CO₂ capture membranes: separation membranes (mixed matrix membranes, liquid membranes) and gas-liquid membrane contactors.
• Identification and discussion of key enzymes (carbonic anhydrase, formate dehydrogenase) and their mimics.

Main Results:

• CO₂ capture membranes are classified by function (separation vs. contactors) and enzyme integration (e.g., carbonic anhydrase, formate dehydrogenase).
• CO₂ conversion membranes are detailed by functionality, enzyme immobilization, and cofactor regeneration.
• Key performance parameters for hybrid enzyme-membrane systems are discussed with examples.

Conclusions:

• Biocatalytic membranes represent a significant advancement in CO₂ capture and utilization technologies.
• Further research is needed to optimize these hybrid systems for efficiency, scalability, and economic viability.
• These technologies are vital for closing the loop in a renewable economy and mitigating climate change.