Columbia Technology Ventures

Cyclopropenimines for enhanced carbon capture and upcycling

This technology uses functionalized cyclopropenimine (CPI) superbase molecules to efficiently and rapidly capture and upcycle atmospheric carbon dioxide gas into other organic compounds.

Unmet Need: Simple, robust, and easily regenerable compounds for carbon capture

Current molecules used industrially in both direct air capture and point-source capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) are generally limited to aqueous amines. However, conventional amines for CO2 capture have low capture capacities, high degradation rates, and require high temperatures and large amounts of energy, so it can take years to convert concentrated CO2 into solid materials. Although amines can be readily produced and used in existing infrastructure, their use is limited in certain carbon capture applications.

The Technology: Functionalized and stable cyclic superbase imines for rapid CO2 capture

This CO2 capture system utilizes cyclopropenimines (CPIs) to efficiently and rapidly capture CO2 in both aqueous and organic solvents. CPIs can be easily prepared from commercially available materials within three steps. Their structural properties allow for CO2 capture and conversion into other organic compounds within minutes at room temperature and pressure. Their properties can be modulated by adding various functional groups to alter CO2 solubility and affinity to allow for upcycling, controlled uptake and release, and mineralization of CO2.

Applications:

  • Carbon capture and utilization
  • Production of industrial chemicals from CO2
  • Controlled uptake and release of CO2
  • CO2 mineralization
  • Management of CO2 waste

Advantages:

  • Rapid and robust capture of carbon dioxide from a wide variety of sources
  • Simple and fast to produce
  • Ease of regeneration and modulation
  • Works at standard temperature and pressure
  • Can function in both aqueous and organic capture systems
  • Direct carbon upcycling to carbonate materials can be achieved

Lead Inventor:

Luis M. Campos, Ph.D.

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