They do this by using bricks with thousands of small channels through them and a chemical coating that absorbs CO2. When the air travels through the bricks, the tiny holes provide a large surface area where a substantial portion of the CO2 is absorbed. Low temperature steam is then used to release the CO2, which is then processed and stored for use.
AirCapture partnered with Synapse to optimize their system design, improve key performance metrics, and enhance manufacturability.
The design target for the prototype was to build a 100-metric ton of CO2 per year system. To accomplish that, Synapse engineers established the system architecture, performed extensive computational fluid dynamic modeling, simulated airflows, and conducted adsorption/desorption kinetics modeling for process optimization. The resulting design enabled AirCapture to build its first system to demonstrate functionality, optimize processes and operational parameters, and also gain commercial traction with investors and customers.
The impact for AirCapture’s customers and the planet will be significant. Businesses around the world will have a reliable source of carbon neutral or carbon negative CO2 without the financial and environmental impacts of traditional production and delivery methods.
For Synapse, we’re proud of our partnership with AirCapture and look forward to developing many more innovative solutions in the fight against climate change.