Background
The Center for Negative Carbon Emissions at Arizona State University is actively engaged in research focused on sorbent materials used in direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Much of this research centers on understanding the chemical and physical properties of these materials and how they influence direct air capture performance. Carbon capture has been noted as a potential tool to combat against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, initial testing efforts face significant challenges due to inconsistent laboratory conditions, particularly fluctuations in humidity and temperature which make it difficult to reproduce results reliably. Other issues within the field of carbon capture center around effectiveness, cost, and scalability.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a device that is used to stabilize direct air capture sorbent materials to standard loading states of carbon dioxide and water vapor. This device is useful for any application that requires consistent levels of CO2, humidity, and temperature. The purpose of the device is to ensure all sorbent materials start at the same initial conditions prior to testing in order to draw accurate conclusions on its direct air capture performance. Since many carbon capture sorbents are highly sensitive to CO2, humidity, and temperature, this aids in the development of carbon capture materials by standardizing performance measurements.
Potential Applications:
- Atmospheric CO2 capture
- Sorbent material storage & handling
- Materials optimization
Benefits and Advantages:
- Customizable – controls CO2, humidity, and temperature
- Low cost – optimized for affordability
- User-friendly – feedback system that controls system and provides relevant information to the user