Carbon capture is a key factor in the fight against climate changesince it allows CO2 to be trapped before it is released into the atmosphere. However, traditional methods require large amounts of energy and specialized equipment.
In many industries, such as cement, where CO2 is a natural by-product of production, Current methods are insufficient due to high energy demand. However, some recent innovations have made it possible to capture carbon dioxide even at low concentrations.
The CO2 threat
Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas that It is naturally present in the atmosphereIt is produced by processes such as respiration, the decomposition of organic matter, and natural events such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions.
However, human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased CO2 concentrations. It is one of the main greenhouse gases, responsible for global warming and climate change.
As the fight against climate change intensifies, a consensus has emerged: Simply reducing emissions will not be enough to reverse global warming.
In this context, Science explores carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS). These allow the trapping of CO2 already present in the atmosphere or that which is currently being emitted.
A new method
A team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed an innovative carbon capture system. It is based on an electrochemical cell. This device stands out for its ability to efficiently capture and release carbon dioxide (CO2), using less energy than conventional systems.
The device operates by alternating charge and discharge cycles. During charging, air or gas containing CO2 is passed through the battery, where the carbon dioxide is captured by the electrodes. During the discharge phase, the pure, concentrated gas is released for collection.
The electrochemical cell was developed by Fang-Yu Kuo, Sung Eun Jerng and Betar Gallant.. It works by moving positively charged cations through a liquid amine dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Upon cell discharge, a cation interacts with carbamic acid. This allows the conversion of CO2 into a usable compound.
An efficient system
The team optimized the process using a combination of potassium and zinc ionswhich served as the basis for the cathode and anode of the cell. This design proved to be more energy efficient than other heat-based systems. Its initial results are very promising.
In laboratory experiments, the system was able to withstand at least 7,000 charge and discharge cycles with a 30% efficiency loss. Researchers estimate that with further improvements, the technology could reach between 20,000 and 50,000 cycles.
Additionally, during long-term stability testing, The device retained nearly 95% of its original capacity after several charge and discharge cycles. This confirms its viability for industrial applications.
Beautiful prospects
The new device developed by MIT researchers could represent a sustainable solution. This system can be powered by renewable energy sources.
The researchers believe that this breakthrough could make CO2 capture and release technologies more practical and sustainable across various industries. This would contribute significantly to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The scientists They founded a company called Verdox with the aim of commercializing this process. They plan to develop a pilot plant in the coming years. According to Sahag Voskian, scaling up the system is a simple process: “If more capacity is needed, just add more electrodes,” he told several media outlets.
Nanomaterials
This revolutionary method is based on the use of nanomaterialssmall particles with unique properties that can help remove pollutants from the air more effectively than traditional methods. These nanomaterials act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions that transform pollutants into less harmful substances.
One of the main advantages of this method is its versatility. Nanomaterials can be designed to capture a wide range of contaminantsincluding carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. In addition, these materials can be used in different types of air filters and purifiers, making them ideal for application in urban, industrial and domestic environments.
Another notable aspect of this new method is its durability. Unlike other air purification systems that require the use of harmful chemicals or large amounts of energy, nanomaterials are environmentally friendly and can be produced more efficiently and economically. This makes them an attractive option for combating air pollution in the long term.
Despite the obstacles, preliminary results are encouraging and suggest that nanomaterials could be a key tool in combating air pollution in the future.
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