Researchers at Monash University have identified and developed a group of low-cost solid-state materials that show great potential for use in systems to capture excess carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.
The new materials are known as 'meso-macroporous melamine formaldehyde' or MF and can be made relatively easily from common and low-cost chemicals melamine and formaldehyde, with extra-large pores to facilitate direct air capture (DAC) of CO2.
Rolling out DAC technology
Large-scale deployment of DAC as a net-zero carbon emission technology has been slow until now, due to the low performance and high costs of solid materials capable of capturing sizeable amounts of CO2 at low levels from the ambient air.
“We believe these MF materials represent a significant advance towards commercialisation of DAC processes,” co-lead researcher Professor Paul Webley said.
“The ultrahigh pore volume and the meso-macroporous structure makes MF a superior base for making DAC adsorbent materials.”
The MF material is usable in multiple forms, amenable to being shaped as droplets, pellets and coatings and easily impregnated with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a proven adsorbent for carbon dioxide CO2 removal.
“Our results demonstrate the great potential of amine-impregnated MF adsorbents for carbon capture, paving the way for the development of advanced DAC systems,” Professor Webley said.
CCUS necessary for net-zero
The International Energy Agency points to carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) as a vital component in the technology mix needed to achieve net-zero.
“It can tackle emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, particularly heavy industries like cement, steel or chemicals,” the IEA’s website reads.
“CCUS is an enabler of least-cost low-carbon hydrogen production, which can support the decarbonisation of other parts of the energy system, such as industry, trucks and ships.
“Finally, CCUS can remove CO2 from the air to balance emissions that are unavoidable or technically difficult to abate.”
The IEA argues much higher levels of CCUS than currently deployed will be needed to achieve a global net-zero scenario.