Enhancing direct air carbon capture into microalgae: A membrane sparger design with carbonic anhydrase integration

Abstract

In this study, a novel membrane gas sparger incorporating a carbonic anhydrase (CA) coated electrospun polysulfone membrane is proposed, to enhance the CO2 sequestration rate from atmospheric air into photobioreactors and open raceway ponds. Firstly, an electrospinning technique is employed to fabricate a strong and permeable polysulfone membrane. Then, multiple layers of CA are coated onto the polysulfone membrane through a layer-by-layer method and molecular dynamics simulation is adopted to verify the CA coating. To fortify the mechanical strength, the membrane is integrated within a metal mesh module as an air sparger. Finally, the microalgae growth is tested within a laboratory scale ra..