Low-Temp CO₂ Capture – High Efficiency, Low Cost

TO-209 • PT 1.3169 • As of 06/2025
Institute Institute of Energy Technologies (IET)
Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (IET-2/HI ERN)

Technology

This innovative electrochemical system captures CO₂ from diluted gas streams or the air and concentrates it up to 100 vol.-%. It combines a gas-liquid reactor with a novel electrochemical cell – all without the need for high temperatures. The result is clean, concentrated CO₂ ready for direct use in industrial applications like CO₂ electrolyzers.

Problem addressed

Capturing CO₂ from air or flue gas is still costly, inefficient, and delivers impure output. Conventional methods rely on heat-intensive processes or expensive and toxic sorbents. Very high temperatures are needed. Currently, these high temperatures are generated by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas which significantly worsens the CO₂ balance. Moreover, Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems struggle with low efficiency and poor CO₂ purity – making them economically unattractive.

Solution

Our patented process uses a smart combination of chemical capture and electrochemical regeneration: CO₂ is absorbed into a liquid phase, then electrochemically released as a pure gas. The technology enables the recovery of CO₂ in nearly pure form (up to 100 vol.-%) without costly purification. It operates at low temperatures (< 80 °C), allowing the direct use of renewable electricity and reducing energy costs. The system is compact, modular, and designed for continuous or intermittent operation, allowing easy integration and upscaling in various industrial environments.

Benefits and Potential Use

• Chemical industry (e.g. carbon feedstock for synthesis)
• Flue gas CO₂ recovery from power plants and industry
• Power-to-X / e-fuels production
• Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
• Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology providers

Development Status and Next Steps

The technology is at TRL 2: A prototype/test rig has been built and will be tested within the next months. We are looking for licensees, co-development partners or pilot users to:

• adapt the system to specific industrial CO₂ sources
• co-develop a market-ready product
• integrate the technology into existing value chains.

Let your CO₂ work for you – clean, concentrated and climate-friendly.

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