Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration has had significant technological advances in recent years. Unfortunately, these methods are ineffective when the CO2 concentration is extremely low (i.e. air- capture technology). The use of humidity or moisture swing sorbents offers a distinctly different path to extracting CO2 from air. Moisture swing sorbents bind CO2 when relatively dry and release them again when exposed to increased levels of moisture either in the form of liquid water or water vapor. CO2 affinity can be substantially modified by the presence or absence of water. All well studied sorbents are relatively brittle, glass-like materials that swell significantly when exposed to moisture. The strains associated with swelling have so far made it impossible to create large structures from homogenous sorbent material. This has prevented, for example, extruding simple monoliths or long thin strands of pure sorbent materials. Thus, there is a need for a durable moisture swing structure which is better equipped to deal with swelling.
Researchers at Arizona State University have invented methods and systems for producing carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbents and structures. The invention includes three unique structures. The first consists of paper composites with sorbent powders attached to the paper structure. The second are Tyvek® composites including highly hydrophobic but porous sheets that protect resin powders from direct contact with water. The third method utilizes activated carbon with carbonate ions embedded into the carbon structures. All three of these methods work effectively if the CO2 concentration is very low. Larger moisture swings can be built without problematic swelling.
Potential Applications
Benefits and Advantages
For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see
Dr. Allen wright's directory webpage
Dr. Klaus Lackner's directory webpage