Technologies

The patented nanomaterials engineered for efficient carbon dioxide capture and storage are a class of advanced materials designed to enhance the adsorption and absorption of CO2 from various sources, including industrial emissions and atmospheric air. These nanomaterials are typically fabricated using a combination of metal oxides, zeolites, and functional polymers, which are tailored to exhibit high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and specific chemical properties that facilitate CO2 interaction.The synthesis of these nanomaterials involves a range of techniques, including sol-gel processing, hydrothermal methods, and molecular templating. For instance, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are commonly employed due to their exceptional surface areas, thermal stability, and CO2 affinity. The surface chemistry of these nanomaterials can be further modified through functionalization with amine groups, metal ions, or other CO2-philic species to enhance their capture efficiency.The carbon dioxide capture process using these nanomaterials can occur through various mechanisms, including physisorption, chemisorption, and reactive absorption. Physisorption involves weak van der Waals interactions between CO2 molecules and the nanomaterial surface, whereas chemisorption entails the formation of covalent bonds between CO2 and surface functional groups. Reactive absorption involves the reaction of CO2 with a sorbent material to form a stable compound. The choice of mechanism depends on the specific application, temperature, and pressure conditions.The storage of captured CO2 can be achieved through various methods, including geological sequestration, mineral carbonation, and utilization in value-added products. Geological sequestration involves injecting CO2 into depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or coal seams for long-term storage. Mineral carbonation involves reacting CO2 with metal oxides or silicates to form stable carbonates. The development of these nanomaterials has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from industrial sources and mitigate climate change by providing efficient and cost-effective carbon capture and storage solutions.