Journal article

Catalytic hybrid solvent regeneration in membrane vacuum processes for direct air capture

A Momeni, H Anisi, RV McQuillan, MS Alivand, A Zavabeti, S Askari, R Zhang, GW Stevens, KA Mumford

Nature Communications | Springer Science and Business Media LLC | Published : 2026

Abstract

Direct Air Capture is a promising climate mitigation technology, but its deployment is limited by high energy demand. This study improves the energy efficiency and sustainability of liquid-based Direct Air Capture by integrating catalytic solvent regeneration and hybrid solvents with a low-temperature membrane vacuum regeneration process. Iron-sulfated zirconia catalysts supported on alumina and silica are synthesized and evaluated, with silica exhibiting superior catalytic performance. An optimal iron-sulfated zirconia to silica ratio of 1:1 reduces relative heat duty by up to 59.7% in the membrane vacuum system. To assess the impact of hybrid solvents on energy consumption, a solvent compo..

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