Distributed direct air capture by carbon nanofiber air filters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations pose a significant global challenge.
• Current direct air capture (DAC) technologies face limitations due to land use, capital costs, and energy-intensive regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a distributed carbon nanofiber (CNF)-based DAC air filter for efficient CO2 removal.
• To assess the global potential, energy impact, and economic viability of the CNF-based DAC system.

Main Methods:

• Development of a CNF-based adsorbent for CO2 capture.
• Integration of the adsorbent into a DAC air filter for ventilation systems.
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the system.

Main Results:

• The CNF-based DAC air filter demonstrates a CO2 adsorption capacity of 4 mmol/g.
• Potential global CO2 removal capacity of 596 MtCO2 year⁻¹.
• Carbon removal efficiency of 92.1% from cradle to grave.
• Estimated capture and storage costs range from $209 to $668 per tonne of CO2.

Conclusions:

• The distributed CNF-based DAC air filter presents a promising, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution for carbon neutralization.
• This technology can be integrated into existing building systems, reducing energy consumption and CO2 levels.
• Regeneration methods using solar thermal or electrothermal energy offer low carbon footprints.