Background
Negative emission technologies, including direct air capture (DAC), are a critical solution needed to reduce carbon emissions and lead to a net-zero scenario. DAC solutions are a viable solution that present many advantages, but generate increased demand for low-cost CO2 sorbents, due to greater amounts of material needed to effectively capture CO2. This could increase the global polymer production, which goes against the current focus of reducing reliance on single-use plastics and avoiding polymer accumulation in landfills. There is a need for polymer sorbents that are both recyclable and reprocessable.
Recent research in this area has focused on the development of covalent adaptable networks (CANs) or vitrimers, which enable covalent cross-link reversibility to help retain their network structure while providing routes for reprocessing. These compounds combine the thermal, chemical, and solvent resistance of thermosets with the dynamic properties of thermoplastics. However, traditional CANs rely on petroleum sources as feedstock, rather than sustainable bio-based sources. At this time, bio-based CANs have not yet been applied as CO2 sorbents.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University, the University of Florida, and the University of Houston have developed a novel polymer sorbent for direct air capture (DAC) that can undergo recycling and/or reprocessing. This material demonstrates high CO2 capture capacity, kinetics, and longevity while being designed for recyclability and sustainability. These polymers are formed by incorporating amine-rich components capable of CO2 capture within covalent adaptive networks (CANs) derived from synthetic or natural polymers. The recyclability and reprocessability of this material is possible due to the associative exchange chemistry of emanione networks.
Potential Applications
Benefits and Advantages