This technology is a scrubber for maximizing carbon dioxide capture from the air.
Elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have led to significant negative effects on climate and the environment. Carbon dioxide capture from air is one approach that will be necessary for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Industrial carbon dioxide scrubbers are often designed as a packed bed to achieve complete or high percentage removal of all impurities from another gas. However, there is a need for low-cost methods that focus on the removal of carbon dioxide via direct-air capture.
This scrubber maximizes the rate of carbon dioxide absorption using aqueous hydroxide solutions as the sorbent. To optimize carbon dioxide uptake, the scrubber’s surfaces are coated with a hydroxide solution and are exposed to laminar airflow. The sorbent can be mixed with additives to enhance the rate of carbon dioxide absorption, reduce water loss, improve the flow or wettability characteristic of the fluid, and reduce its corrosive effect. Furthermore, the surface can be corrugated to increase the surface area available for air contact. With little restriction, this technology can be implemented in target regions to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air and achieve low operating and maintenance costs.
Klaus Lackner, Ph.D.
IR M05-006
Licensing Contact: Richard Nguyen