Advances in porous materials for carbon capture

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley , have developed a material named COF-999, a fluffy yellow powder capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere with remarkable efficiency. Just under half a pound (approximately 200 grams) of COF-999 can absorb about 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of CO₂ annually, matching the carbon sequestration capacity of a mature tree over the same period. COF-999 is a covalent organic framework (COF) characterized by its porous structure, which provides a large surface area for gas adsorption. The internal surfaces of this material are lined with amines—compounds that effectively bind to CO₂ molecules. When air passes through COF-999, the amines capture CO₂, and the gas can later be released by heating the material to about 140°F (60°C), allowing for repeated use. Notably, COF-999 has demonstrated stability over at least 100 adsorption-desorption cycles without degradation. This innovation holds significant promise for direct air capture (DAC) technologies, which aim to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels to mitigate climate change. The efficiency and durability of COF-999 could enhance the viability of DAC systems, potentially accelerating efforts to lower greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Source: https://lnkd.in/dgwRRzhe

How much CO₂ can you really pack into a sorbent? Is there a fundamental limit—or are we still leaving capacity on the table? Across liquids, solids, and reactive materials, CO₂ capture has long been evaluated using inconsistent metrics, making it hard to answer a simple but critical question: how close are we to the ultimate packing limit of CO₂? And can we ever reach the DARPA target of 1 g CO₂ per g sorbent? In our recent analysis paper (https://lnkd.in/gceHZux6), we take a metric-consistent, cross-platform view of CO₂ capture capacities of liquid solvents, ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DES), porous solids (MOFs, COFs, POPs), oxide sorbents, and reactive capture systems. We found: 1) Porous solids (MOFs, COFs, aerogels) dominate gravimetric performance, with some systems approaching 0.5–1 g CO₂/g sorbent under optimized conditions—but often trade off volumetric efficiency. 2) Liquids and ILs show higher volumetric packing due to density, yet are fundamentally limited in mass-normalized capacity by molecular weight. 3) DES and hybrid systems sit in the middle—promising, tunable, but still below theoretical limits. 4) Reactive CO₂ capture (RCC) emerges as a game-changer: by coupling capture with conversion, RCC bypasses regeneration penalties and shows the clearest pathway toward DARPA-level capacities, especially when low-density, high-affinity chemistries are used. Most important takeaway: Reaching 1 g CO₂ per g sorbent is not a materials fantasy—but it will not happen with passive adsorption alone. The path forward lies in: low-density frameworks, 1:1 CO₂ binding stoichiometry, reactive and multifunctional sorbents, and design rules that simultaneously optimize gravimetric and volumetric metrics This work provides a roadmap for rational sorbent design, helping the community move beyond isolated material classes toward application-relevant, scalable CO₂ capture benchmarks. Huge congratulations to Dr. Rohit Chauhan (lead author), Rohan Sartape (co-lead), Sam David Swaminathan, Ishita Goyal, Ph.D., Amey S Thorat, and Jindal Shah, for this comprehensive and timely contribution. Excited to see how these insights accelerate the next generation of carbon capture technologies. #CarbonCapture #CO2Capture #CCUS #MOFs #IonicLiquids #ReactiveCapture #NetZero #EnergyMaterials #UIC

What if we could 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 — 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆-𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? That’s the challenge the latest Advanced Science paper tackles with an elegant materials design plus cutting-edge simulation. The team synthesized a 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹–𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝗠𝗢𝗙) containing 𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀 that, at first glance, 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 adsorb gas — there are no obvious channels. Yet under ambient conditions, this material s𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗢𝟮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 while excluding N₂, a remarkable feat for physisorption-based systems. The secret lies in what the authors call “𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀.” Transient structural fluctuations momentarily open narrow pathways, allowing CO₂ to enter isolated pockets where it gets trapped with minimal sorption-desorption cycling cost. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 — specifically its 𝗠𝗟-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 — 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 in simulating CO₂ adsorption energies and diffusion paths through these fleeting channels, providing mechanistic insight that experiments alone couldn’t capture. This work demonstrates how 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, enabling designs that break conventional trade-offs among capacity, selectivity, and energy cost. For researchers and scientists working on CO₂ capture, gas separation, or porous materials design, this study offers a blueprint for using simulation-driven insight to unlock new sorbent behavior. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gvE5teZ6

MOFs: The Carbon Killer That Also Pulls Water from Air Imagine a porous crystal so efficient it traps #CO₂ like a magnet—and even pulls drinking water out of desert air using just sunlight. Metal-Organic Frameworks (#MOFs), those marvels of reticular chemistry, are stepping up as climate™ multi-taskers. 🌱 Carbon Capture Powerhouse MOFs are engineered with molecular precision: their infinite nano-pores are tailor-made to adsorb CO₂ more effectively than empty volumes, enhancing uptake and selectivity . Recent research shows that in humid environments, water doesn’t hinder but actually boosts CO₂ capture—via dipole–quadrupole interactions, formation of new #adsorption sites, and stabilization of reactive intermediates such as #ammonium carbamate and bicarbonate . 💧 Water Harvesting from Thin Air Pioneers like Prof. Omar Yaghi demonstrated that MOFs such as MOF-801 (zirconium-based) can adsorb water at only 20 % relative humidity and release ~2.8 L per kg per day using natural sunlight—no electricity needed . These materials turn dry desert air into “tropical” moisture reservoirs, enabling passive water generation . Building on that, MOF-303 (aluminum-based) has been tested in Death Valley—capturing water even at 10 % humidity, with ~0.7 L/kg/day yields under real-world desert conditions . Hybrid composites like MOF-303 combined with thiolated polymers show ultrafast uptake and low-temperature #desorption (< 40 °C), making them highly energy-efficient AWH (Atmospheric Water Harvesting) tools . Why This Matters MOFs could be a rare dual-action solution—simultaneously tackling #greenhouse gas reduction and water scarcity. Picture communities in water-stressed, arid regions enjoying clean water and cleaner air—all from materials that run on sunlight and science. It's time to treat MOFs not just as “chemistry,” but as genuine agents of climate resilience and humanitarian impact. What’s your take? Are you exploring MOF technologies or similar materials for climate innovation? Calistair. Science for healthy air www.calistair.com #MetalOrganicFrameworks #MOFs #ZIFs #COFs #CarbonCapture #Decarbonization #ClimateTech #SustainableInnovation #CleanAir #WaterHarvesting #AtmosphericWater #GreenChemistry #ClimateResilience #NetZero #FutureOfWater #ScientificInnovation #Cleantech

Decarbonizing energy-intensive industries Decarbonizing our most energy-intensive industries is no longer a "someday" goal—it’s a technical reality being driven by a diverse tools of innovation. Whether it's retrofitting existing power plants or building the next generation of blue hydrogen facilities, the following technologies represent the front lines of how we are turning climate targets into operational results. 🟦 1- RWE Power, BASF, and Linde Post-Combustion Capture (PCC) I’ve been following the progress of the RWE Power, BASF, and Linde partnership, and it’s impressive to see what happens when industry leaders actually pool their strengths. By combining BASF’s OASE® blue chemical expertise with Linde’s engineering track record, they’ve moved Post-Combustion Capture (PCC) out of the "experimental" phase and into the real world. After successful runs at pilot plants in Germany and the US, this technology is officially ready for the heavy lifting—helping power plants and waste-to-energy facilities tackle their emissions at an industrial scale. Source: https://lnkd.in/g5hceCsn 🟦 2- Svante Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) The future of carbon capture isn’t just about scaling up; it’s about shifting the chemistry. I’m really impressed by how Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are changing the game compared to traditional methods. By partnering with BASF, Svante moved these high-capacity "nano-sponges"—where a sugar-cube-sized amount has the surface area of a football field—from the lab to industrial scale using eco-friendly, water-based processes. Svante structured filters can catch and release 95% of CO2 in under 60 seconds, even in harsh industrial flue gas. Source: https://lnkd.in/g9KuEyme 🟦 3- Fluor's Econamine FG PlusSM technology When it comes to carbon capture, longevity and reliability are everything, and Fluor really sets the bar with their Econamine FG PlusSM technology. With over 30 years of operational history and 30+ licensed plants, this isn't just a pilot project—it’s a proven workhorse capable of scrubbing over 10,000 tons of CO2 per day. What I find particularly interesting is their Fluor SolventSM process; because it uses a dry propylene solvent that requires no heat for regeneration, it’s becoming a game-changer for blue hydrogen applications where energy efficiency is the top priority. Source: https://lnkd.in/gZgbV-fu 🟦 4- Other resources for you: SLB Capturi https://capturi.slb.com/ SHELL CANSOLV® CO2 CAPTURE SYSTEM https://lnkd.in/g27ifi6A Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ KM CDR Process https://lnkd.in/gFjPhjeX This post is for educational purposes only.

Scientists at NTU developed concrete that actually captures carbon dioxide while being 3D printed. How: It actively captures CO2 being produced as the by-products of industrial processes. Then, they inject steam and CO2 into the concrete mix as it's being printed, and the carbon gets locked inside. It captures more carbon AND improves the material: - 38% more carbon sequestered - Creates stronger concrete (37% stronger under compression) - Improves the printing process itself by 50% It’s one of those innovations that simultaneously solves an environmental problem while making the product better. The researchers also said they’re looking into using other waste gasses instead of just pure CO2. Hats off to the team at Nanyang Technological University! (Image credit: also from NTU)

I’d like to share our latest DOE-NETL research, “Targeted Chemical Looping Materials Discovery by an Inverse Design,” published in Advanced Intelligent Systems! In this work, we developed a groundbreaking framework combining inverse machine learning and genetic algorithms to discover high-performance CLOU materials for carbon capture. This AI-driven approach replaces traditional trial-and-error methods, enabling the design of optimized materials that outperform current benchmarks in oxygen release kinetics. This research highlights how advanced computational tools can tackle critical global challenges like carbon reduction. Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/enJrnZKQ

Could this yellow powder be a game-changing climate solution? Scientists at University of California, Berkeley have created a new material with some remarkable properties... A small container of this yellow powder (called COF-999) has the ability to pull carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air at a rate equivalent to a large tree! 🌳 🔑 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀: -Porous and lightweight: The material is made of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hence the name (COF-999), which provide a large surface area for carbon capture. -High efficiency: COF-999 can pull CO₂ directly from the air, even at low concentrations. -Rapid absorption capacity: COF-999 can capture CO₂ much faster than other substances -No additional energy needed: COF-999 does not require additional heat or energy to capture CO₂ 💡 𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: This breakthrough could transform carbon capture technology, making it cheaper, faster, and more scalable as we tackle climate change. However, it may just be another flash in the pan. It will likely be years until it can be deployed at scale. In addition, let's not forget that emissions reductions rather than removals will be 90% of our climate goals. That said, we should continue to explore innovative solutions like this one, as climate change is an all-hands-on-deck effort! What do you think? Share your views on COF-999 and other top climate solutions in the comments! #ClimateChange #Innovation #Sustainability #CarbonCapture #GreenTech

New paper alert (1/2) Here two post-doctoral researchers in my group (Rajeev Kumar Rai, PhD and Rui Serra-Maia) found that treating magnesium oxide (MgO) from mine tailings with polar solvents significantly enhances its carbon capture efficiency. Our study shows that smaller particle sizes improve carbonation rates, while the addition of silicon-based compounds further accelerates the process. Working with Aleksandra Vojvodic and her team, we found via DFT calculations that polar solvent treatment strengthens the interaction between CO2 and the MgO surface. This approach for enhancing MgO carbonation could potentially enable more effective atmospheric CO2 sequestration using mine waste. https://lnkd.in/eshuRMQ8

#New_Publication In our recent paper published in #ACS_Sustainable_Resource_Management, we studied how zeolite (ZSM-5) enhances carbon capture performance of superactivated hydrochar. Despite ZSM-5 as well as hydrothermally treated ZSM-5 being relatively low specific surface area (compared to superactivated hydrochar), only 5% ZSM-5 addition during HTC nearly doubles the carbon capture in superactivated hydrochar. This is mainly due to surface modification during HTC step. The final product, what Swarna called as #zeolite_hydrochar_composite, is thermally stable and we have barely seen any noticeable lack of efficiency after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. Please check out the article for details. Authors: Swarna Saha, Toufiq Reza Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Florida Tech