Calcium Hydroxide Composition for Direct Air Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies face challenges such as high capital and operational costs, energy consumption, water usage, and sensitivity to weather conditions, limiting their scalability and efficiency in capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.

Innovation Solution

A process utilizing a calcium hydroxide-based composition with a high partial pore volume, calculated according to the BJH method, to capture CO2 from air by transforming calcium hydroxide into calcium carbonate, which can then be calcined to produce pure CO2. This process includes steps such as mixing calcium hydroxide with water and additives, shaping the composition into various forms, and adjusting air flow and humidity to optimize CO2 capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional DAC technologies are used to capture CO2 from air, then CO2 capture is achieved, but capital and operational costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidcapital and operational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous calcium hydroxide-based compositions with controlled pore structures (total pore volume ≥0.06 cm³/g, partial pore volume ≥0.09 cm³/g) to enhance CO2 capture efficiency. The porous structure increases surface area and reaction sites, allowing effective CO2 capture while using readily available, low-cost materials instead of expensive engineered sorbents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies physical parameters of the calcium hydroxide composition, specifically controlling pore volume, particle size (D10-D90 distribution), and water content to optimize CO2 capture performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high capture efficiency with simple, inexpensive materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional DAC technologies are used to capture CO2 from air, then CO2 capture is achieved, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The calcium hydroxide-based composition reacts spontaneously with atmospheric CO2 without requiring external energy input for the capture step. The material performs self-carbonation when exposed to air, eliminating the need for energy-intensive pumping, heating, or pressurization systems required by conventional DAC technologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional DAC technologies are used to capture CO2 from air, then CO2 capture is achieved, but water usage is high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidwater loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the water content parameter of the calcium hydroxide composition to minimize evaporation losses while maintaining adequate moisture for the carbonation reaction. By precisely controlling water content and pore structure, the system reduces water loss compared to conventional aqueous DAC systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional DAC technologies are used to capture CO2 from air, then CO2 capture is achieved, but the process is sensitive to weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidsensitivity to weather conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The porous structure with controlled total pore volume (≥0.06 cm³/g) and partial pore volume (≥0.09 cm³/g) provides consistent CO2 capture performance across varying humidity and temperature conditions. The pore structure maintains adequate moisture retention while allowing gas diffusion, making the process less sensitive to weather variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process achieves high CO2 capture efficiency, with a CO2 content of at least 31% by weight in the calcium carbonate-based composition, and is adaptable to various weather conditions, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while minimizing water usage.

Implementation Method 1

contacting said composition with air so as to capture CO2 contained in said air by transforming at least some of the calcium hydroxide of said composition into calcium carbonate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarbonation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

extracting at least some CO2 from at least some of the collected calcium carbonate-based composition, preferably via calcination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCalcination: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20250041797A1Calcium hydroxide composition and carbon removal in air using the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 CARMEUSE TECH

AI summary

A process for direct capture of carbon dioxide in air may include contacting a calcium hydroxide-based composition with air so as to capture CO2 contained in the air by transforming at least some of the calcium hydroxide of the composition into calcium carbonate. A calcium carbonate-based composition is formed and collected. At least some CO2 from the collected calcium carbonate-based composition is extracted, preferably via calcination and/or electrolysis. The calcium hydroxide-based composition has a partial pore volume equal to or higher than 0.09 cm3/g for a range of pores having a diameter between 20 and 200 Å.