Understanding and Improving Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Capture

To meet the UK’s 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target and limit global warming to 1.5°C, effective carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies are essential. CCS is a process where carbon dioxide is either captured at point sources, such as industrial processes, or directly from the atmosphere to be stored underground. Traditional CCS methods, utilising amine molecules to absorb carbon dioxide, are energy-intensive, costly, and limited by issues such as amine evaporation into the atmosphere.

This project aims to revolutionise CCS by developing electrochemical carbon dioxide capture technologies, providing a more energy-efficient alternative. By using electricity through supercapacitors and batteries, the technology captures carbon dioxide during charging and releases it during discharge, with much of the energy being recoverable.

The project ultimately aims to inform the design and synthesis of improved materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and develop next-generation materials while prototyping new technologies that will contribute to clean economic growth and position the UK as a leader in electrochemical carbon dioxide capture.