Charged Adsorbents for Capture of Carbon Dioxide Directly from Air
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
We face a global climate change crisis. A wide range of greenhouse gas mitigation technologies must be deployed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius at the end of the century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has further emphasised the need for negative emissions technologies, which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A promising approach for carbon dioxide removal is direct air capture. In this approach carbon dioxide is absorbed directly from the air using a sponge-like material. The carbon dioxide is then collected and stored in the ground, or used as a chemical building block. Despite the promise of this approach, the associated cost of carbon removal remains very high and improved materials are needed that can lower the cost of this process.
In this project we will develop an entirely new class of sponge-like materials with excellent performance for the capture of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. We will develop a new approach to make these materials that uses electric charging to tailor the material composition and add reactive chemical groups. We predict that our new materials will be able to bind large quantities of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Excitingly, our new strategy for preparing functional sponge-like materials will eventually lead to an entirely new family of materials with applications in a range of energy efficient chemical processes.
In this project we will develop an entirely new class of sponge-like materials with excellent performance for the capture of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. We will develop a new approach to make these materials that uses electric charging to tailor the material composition and add reactive chemical groups. We predict that our new materials will be able to bind large quantities of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Excitingly, our new strategy for preparing functional sponge-like materials will eventually lead to an entirely new family of materials with applications in a range of energy efficient chemical processes.
Publications
Hartley N
(2023)
Quinone-functionalised carbons as new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Hartley N
(2024)
Correlating the structure of quinone-functionalized carbons with electrochemical CO2 capture performance
in Materials Today Energy
Li H
(2024)
Capturing carbon dioxide from air with charged-sorbents.
in Nature
Xu Z
(2024)
Enhancing electrochemical carbon dioxide capture with supercapacitors.
in Nature communications
| Description | This work has discovered a new method for making materials that can capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, a process known as direct air capture - thereby achieving the central and first objective of this project. The method involves taking low-cost activated carbon materials, and functionalising them with hydroxide groups via an electrochemical process. Our work showed that our new hydroxide-functionalised carbons can capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, whereas the as-purchased carbon materials cannot do this. Mechanistic studies gave insight into the chemical structure of our new materials, and proved that they capture carbon dioxide by chemically bonding it at the hydroxide sites (thereby further achieving the second and third objectives of the project). We additionally demonstrated that the materials can reversibly capture and release carbon dioxide over hundred of cycles, thereby largely acheiving the final objective of the project. |
| Exploitation Route | In academia, we have pioneered a new class of materials that will be further explored by a range of research groups. The tuneable nature of the materials means they could be explored for a wide range of application areas, beyond carbon dioxide capture. In industry, the materials will be explored for commercial carbon dioxide separations. We have submitted a patent on this work, and we are working with a number of industry partners to discuss possible licensing agreements. |
| Sectors | Chemicals Energy Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | We are working on the commercialisation of our new class of materials, and have submitted a UK patent application on our new materials. We have formed new industrial partnerships, and we have been awarded funding for translational work (an impact acceleration account award). We exploring the possibility of licensing our new materials to various industry partners, and we are also exploring the possibility of starting a spin-out company. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Co-directing a new masters programme on Advanced Materials for the Energy Transition (University of Cambridge) |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| URL | https://amet.masters.cam.ac.uk/ |
| Description | ERC Starting Grant (Horizon Europe Guarantee) |
| Amount | £2,147,489 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X042693/1 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2023 |
| End | 09/2028 |
| Title | New method for preparing adsorbent materials |
| Description | ongoing, information to be updated later |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | ongoing, information to be updated later |
| Title | Research Data supporting "Capturing Carbon Dioxide from Air with Charged-Sorbents" |
| Description | Experimental data supporting "Capturing Carbon Dioxide from Air with Charged-Sorbents". This dataset contains the raw data used to produce the following figures in the manuscript and supplementary information: - Main text figures 1 - 3. - SI figures S1 - 15, S18 - 20 'README' text files are included in each subfolder containing detailed metadata on each experiment. Further details: 1. 1H, 13C NMR data: These data were derived from 4 samples (Blank cloth, Negatively charged cloth, Positively charged cloth, and Uncharged cloth) prepared by electrochemical charging process or soaked process. The data were collected with the aim of characterising the incorporation of hydroxide ions and the mechanistic pathway responsible for strong CO2 binding in the charged sorbent. The original carbon fibre cloth was purchased from Kynol company with a drying step in the vacuum oven. Solid-state NMR experiments were performed with a Bruker Advance spectrometer operating at a magnetic field strength of 9.4 T, corresponding to a 1H Larmor frequency of 400.1 MHz. A Bruker 4 mm HX double resonance probe was used in all cases. 1H NMR spectra were referenced relative to neat adamantane (C10H16) at 1.9 ppm and 13C NMR spectra were referenced relative to neat adamantane (C10H16) at 38.5 ppm (left-hand resonance). All of the NMR tests were conducted with a sample magic angle spinning rate of 12.5 kHz. A 90° pulse-acquire sequence was used in each experiment. For 13C NMR experiments, recycle delays were set to be more than five times the spin-lattice relaxation time for each sample to ensure that the experiments were quantitative. Charged-sorbents with different water contents were prepared for the NMR characterization. The sorbents were kept in a closed container for 24 h under different relative humidities (RH). Saturated Mg(NO3)2 solutions were used to maintain 53% RH at 25 °C, respectively. 2. N2 and CO2 adsorption isotherms data: These data were derived from 4 samples (Blank cloth, Negatively charged cloth, Positively charged cloth, and Uncharged cloth) prepared by electrochemical charging process or soaked process. The data were collected with the aim of characterising BET surface area, pore size distribution and CO2 uptake. N2 isotherms were collected using an Autosorb iQ gas adsorption analyzer at 77 K. The BET surface area was determined by the BET equation and Rouquerol's consistency criteria implemented in AsiQwin. All pore size distribution fittings were conducted in AsiQwin using N2 at 77 K on carbon (slit-shaped pores) quenched solid density functional theory (QSDFT) model. CO2 sorption isotherms were also collected on an Autosorb iQ gas adsorption analyzer. Isotherms conducted at 25, 35, and 45 °C were measured using a circulating water bath. Samples were activated at 100 °C in vacuum for 15 h prior to gas sorption measurements. The data were analyzed by plotting the adsorption amount of gas versus the partial pressure. Pore size distribution was simulated with model from the Autosorb iQ software. 3. Thermogravimetric gas sorption data: The data were collected with the aim of characterizing the stability of charged sorbent. Thermogravimetric CO2 adsorption experiments were conducted with a flow rate of 60 mL/min using a TA Instruments TGA Q5000 equipped with a Blending Gas Delivery Module. Samples were activated under flowing N2 for 30 min at various temperatures prior to cooling to 30 ºC and switching the gas stream to CO2 mixtures. Cycling experiments were carried out on a Mettler Toledo TGA / DSC 2 Star system equipped with a Huber mini chiller. For tests with high-concentration CO2, the adsorption and desorption of CO2 were performed at 30 °C and 100 °C for 20 min under 30% CO2 and 70% N2 with a flow rate of 140 mL/min, respectively. For DAC tests, adsorption was carried out at 30 °C for 60 min, with 400 ppm CO2 in dry air; and Desorption was carried out at 130 °C for 60 min with 100% N2. 4. Adsorption microcalorimetry data: These data were derived from positively charged cloth and blank cloth. The data were collected with the aim of characterising the heat released during CO2 uptake in positively charged cloth. The simultaneous measurement of the heat of adsorption and the adsorbed amount of carbon dioxide was performed by means of a heat flow microcalorimeter (Calvet C80 by Setaram), connected to a high-vacuum (residual pressure <10-4 mbar) glass line equipped with a Varian Ceramicell 0-100 mbar gauge and a Leybold Ceramicell 0-1000 mbar gauge. Before the measurement, both PCS-OH and blank carbon cloth (ca. 150 mg before activation) were activated for 24 h under high vacuum (residual pressure < 10-3 mbar) at 100 °C (temperature ramp 3 °C/min). The adsorption microcalorimetry measurements were performed at 30 °C by following a well-established step-by-step procedure described in detail elsewhere. This procedure allows, during the same experiment, the determination of both integral heats evolved (-Qint) and adsorbed amounts (na) for small increments of the adsorptive pressure. The partial molar heats obtained for each small dose of gas admitted over the sample are computed by applying the following ratio: ?Qint/?na, kJ mol-1. The (differential) heats of adsorption are then reported as a function of CO2 adsorbed amount, to obtain the (differential) enthalpy changes associated with the proceeding adsorption process. The equilibration time in the microcalorimetric measurement was set to 24 hours for small equilibrium pressures (< 30 mbar), whereas it was reduced to 2 hours for larger doses for PCS-OH. The equilibration time was reduced to 2 hours (regardless of the equilibrium pressure) for the bare carbon cloth, as equilibration is expected to occur faster in absence of specific adsorption sites. 5. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data: These data were derived from positively charged cloth and blank cloth. The data were collected with the aim of characterising the crystalline KOH or related products on the sample. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns were collected on a Malvern Panalytical Empyrean instrument equipped with an X'celerator Scientific detector using a non-monochromated Cu Ka source (? = 1.5406 Å). The data were collected at room temperature over a 2? range of 3-80 °, with an effective step size of 0.017 °. 6. Titration data: The data were collected with the aim of characterising the amount of hydroxide ions in the positively charged sorbent. First, 88 mg of sample was immersed in 2 mL deionized water and sonicated for 20 min at 25 °C. The pH value was then recorded with a pH meter (Insmark IS128C, calibrated with Buffer solutions before use) at 25 °C as the initial point. Second, 100 µL HCl (0.1 M) was slowly added. The mixture was sonicated for 20 min at a constant 25 °C and the pH of the solution was recorded. The second step was repeated until the end of the titration. There was no weight loss due to evaporation during the titration. 7. The DAC data: The data were collected with the aim of characterising the low-pressure CO2 uptake of positively charged sorbent through chemisorption. The tests were carried out in a sealed box (volume ~600 mL) with a CO2 sensor (Aranet4) to record the concentration of CO2, temperature and RH at every one-minute interval. Before each cycle, the box was exposed to fresh air until the CO2 concentration, RH and temperature stabilized. The sorbent was then placed in the box, which was sealed during measurements. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/375449 |
| Title | Research Data supporting "Enhancing electrochemical carbon dioxide capture with supercapacitors" |
| Description | Electrochemical CO2 capture offers a supplementary approach to efficiently capturing CO2 from diverse sources when charged by renewable energy, followed by the release of captured CO2 and stored electricity as needed. Here the measurements were conducted using potentiostat, and the data was collected using EC-lab from BioLogic. These are Excel files for research data associated with the publication "Enhancing electrochemical carbon dioxide capture using supercapacitors". |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/365322 |
| Title | Research data supporting "Quinone-functionalised carbons as new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture" |
| Description | The dataset corresponds to the journal article Quinone-functionalised carbons as new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. It includes both raw and processed data given in the article and supporting information. The processed information is explained by equations given in the SI. Please check the QUINONE_FUNCTIONALISED_README file included in the dataset. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The dataset corresponds to the journal article Quinone-functionalised carbons as new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. It includes both raw and processed data given in the article and supporting information. The processed information is explained by equations given in the SI. Please check the QUINONE_FUNCTIONALISED_README file included in the dataset. |
| URL | https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/353915 |
| Description | Collaboration on CO2 breakthrough measurements with Cornell University |
| Organisation | Cornell University |
| Department | Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are synthesising new materials for CO2 capture applications. We are providing materials for Prof. Phillip Milner's Group at Cornell University. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. Phillip Milner's Group at Cornell University is measuring CO2 breakthrough in our new materials, to test their practical applicability. |
| Impact | ongoing |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Collaboration with Universita de Torino |
| Organisation | University of Turin |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We sent our new carbon capture materials to researchers at the Universita de Torino for them to measure adsorption heats. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They made measurements of the heats of adsorption for carbon dioxide. |
| Impact | They have contributed data for our pre-print paper here: https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6423d38462fecd2a839cee67 |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Title | CHARGED SORBENT MATERIAL |
| Description | In general terms this invention relates to a charged sorbent material. In particular, though not exclusively, this invention relates to a charged sorbent material comprising a porous carbon material and charged non-carbon particles within the pores of the porous carbon material. The invention also relates to a method of making a charged sorbent material, and a process of removing an adsorbate from a fluid by contacting it with the charged sorbent material. |
| IP Reference | WO2024184169 |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | 2024 |
| Licensed | No |
| Description | Interview on The Naked Scientists Podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interviewed for The Naked Scientists Podcast (June 2024). The interview covered our invention of a new class of material for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07449-2). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/carbon-sponge-sucks-co2-out-air |
| Description | Seminar at Korea Institute of Science and Technology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a seminar presentation to roughly 50 people, introducing the charged-sorbent materials for carbon dioxide capture, as well as electrochemical methods for carbon dioxide capture. New research ideas were generated from the resulting discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Seminar at Technical University of Munich |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a seminar presentation to roughly 200 people, introducing the charged-sorbent materials, and new approaches for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Seminar at Tokyo Metropolitan University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a seminar presentation to roughly 100 people, introducing the charged-sorbent materials for carbon dioxide capture, as well as electrochemical methods for carbon dioxide capture. New research ideas were generated from the resulting discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Talk at American Chemical Society Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a seminar presentation to roughly 100 people, introducing charged-sorbent materials for carbon dioxide capture, as well as NMR studies of electrochemical energy storage. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Talk at German Zeolite Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a seminar presentation to roughly 200 people, introducing the charged-sorbent materials invented through this grant. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Webinar to UK Porous Materials Group (Royal Society of Chemistry) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Forse gave a webinar to roughly 100 people, introducing charged-sorbent materials for carbon dioxide capture, as well as electrochemical methods for carbon dioxide capture. New research ideas were generated from the resulting discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |