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INNOVATION

Direct Air Capture of CO2
Inventor: Dr. Klaus Lackner | Arizona State University

A number of different technologies for capturing carbon dioxide from the ambient air operate a regeneration
chamber in which carbon dioxide (CO 2) is gradually released into a stream of sweep gas air. Professor Lackner’s
team has demonstrated a moisture swing sorbent cycle for capturing CO 2 from the air. The sorbent, an anionic
exchange resin, has been shown to absorb CO 2 when it is dry and to release it again when exposed to moisture.
The team’s aim is to advance this technology into the marketplace as it applies to closing the carbon cycle with
carbon recycling, reducing atmospheric concentration through CO 2 disposal, and the economic and policy
considerations from its availability. Professor Lackner’s interdisciplinary research approach includes:
• Demonstration and development of prototype technologies to close the carbon cycle and
create net negative emissions
• Advancement of fundamental sciences supporting this new technology base
• Systems analysis and engineering studies of rapid transition to new energy infrastructures

• Models of the underlying mechanisms within air capture technology
• Study of the interactions of these new technologies with policy development and of the societal
implications of these changes

• Analysis to determine the optimal positioning of these technologies to best serve societal needs

More information can be found at:
https://cnce/engineering.asu.edu

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