A new method for carbon dioxide (CO?) capture has been developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The new technique uses an electrochemical cell that can capture and release CO? at room temperature, reducing the energy required for the process. The current methods for CO? sequestration (CCS) require a lot of energy and a complex infrastructure, making them impractical for many industries. The new electrochemical cell is much more efficient than previous CCS techniques, making it a promising alternative for industrial applications.
The concentration of CO? in the Earth’s atmosphere has reached its highest level in a million years, making it imperative to find solutions to remove CO? from the atmosphere. While some industries can be decarbonized through electrification, others, such as cement production, require alternative methods for CO? capture. The current methods for CCS, which are primarily based on amines, require high temperatures to capture the excess gas. The new electrochemical cell developed by MIT researchers uses a liquid-amine solution dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to capture CO? by oscillating positively charged cations at room temperature.
To increase efficiency, the researchers combined the ion-exchange process of the electrochemical cell with potassium and zinc ions as the basis for the cathode and anode. The prototype cell consumed less energy than other heat-based cells and showed promising results in initial experiments. The long-term stability of the device was also tested, with 95% of the original capacity remaining after multiple charge and discharge cycles. The researchers believe that their work demonstrates the feasibility of an electrochemical alternative for CCS and could make continuous CO? capture and release processes more practical for industrial applications.
In conclusion, the new electrochemical cell developed by MIT researchers offers a promising alternative for CO? capture in industries where electrification is not possible. The cell’s efficiency and stability make it a practical solution for continuous CO? capture and release processes, which could help reduce the concentration of CO? in the Earth’s atmosphere and slow down climate change.
