DACS talk on adsorbents for DAC – Introduction to the common material classes

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an innovative technology, that has emerged as a promising element in the fight against climate change by capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. A significant challenge facing this technology is the development of adsorbers, that efficiently work with low concentrations of CO₂ (around 400 ppm in air). While most porous materials have high surface areas, the tunable material properties of MOFs make them particularly promising candidates for effective adsorbents for capturing and storing CO₂. Therefore, we investigate the synthesis and usability of solid sorbents, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), for DAC. One common method for customizing the properties of MOFs is post-synthetic modification, for example by introducing active compounds. However, these methods often face issues with achieving a high degree of modification, or potential leaking of weakly bound compounds. To overcome these challenges, we adopted a reverse strategy and developed multiple MOF-polymer hybrid materials (polyMOFs). We investigated their synthesis conditions to better understand their properties, as well as to assess their potential for application in DAC. By integrating porous materials like MOFs into DAC processes, this research aims to contribute to the development of more effective and scalable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to address climate change.

In this presentation we briefly introduce the concept of solid adsorbents, a selection of interesting types of porous materials, and the respective challenges they face. Moreover, the process of material development, synthesis optimization and analysis of the developed polyMOF-materials is discussed in this presentation.

About the Author:

Simon Spiegel studied chemistry at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). He later joined the group of Manuel Tsotsalas at KIT - Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG). Here he works on his PhD, developing and investigating hybrid materials for polymers and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). In regards to the DACStorE project he supports the Device Research (sub-project II) with development of potential adsorbents and measurement routines to facilitate the analysis of these materials.

The lecture will take place online and in English. Click here for more information and registration.