One of the key goals of this study is to optimize the spin-coating process by adjusting parameters such as spin speed, polymer concentration, and solvent composition. Each of these parameters plays a critical role in determining the uniformity, stability, and overall performance of the polymer films. By carefully fine-tuning these factors, we aim to achieve films that not only demonstrate high CO₂ capture efficiency but also maintain their stability under varying environmental conditions, such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. The role of different counterions, such as chloride and bicarbonate on the films’ performance will also be explored, as these ions can influence the sorption and desorption properties of the polymer films. Our aim is to identify the optimal counterion that results in stable, uniform films capable of efficiently capturing CO₂ over extended periods of time.
Water management in DAC processes is just as critical as CO₂ capture, as moisture can interfere with the CO₂ sorption and desorption cycles. For this reason, we are looking at water sorbents specifically designed to dehumidify the feed-stream before it enters the DAC system. These sorbents, which can capture and release moisture under controlled conditions, are integral to improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of the DAC system. They will be tested using moisture swing tests to evaluate their ability to adsorb and release water, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of water management within the DAC process.
The films are characterized by using advanced techniques to ensure the accuracy of the results. Polarization-modulated infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) will be used to analyze the surface chemistry and functional group distribution of the polymer films. This technique is especially useful for studying the interaction between the polymer and CO₂, providing insights into the mechanisms of CO₂ capture. Thickness measurements will also be conducted to ensure uniform film deposition and assess the consistency of the coating across multiple samples. These measurements are critical for ensuring that the films have the desired physical properties and can perform effectively in practical applications.
To simulate real-world DAC conditions, the OpenFlow system will be used for dynamic testing. This system enables the testing of polymer sorbents under continuous airflow, simulating the conditions they would face in a large-scale DAC operation. By testing the sorbents in this manner, we can assess their long-term performance, durability, and efficiency in capturing CO₂ under realistic environmental conditions. This will provide crucial data on how the polymers behave under continuous operation, including their response to fluctuations in temperature, CO₂ concentration, and humidity levels. The use of the OpenFlow system is essential for understanding the sorbent’s behavior in dynamic conditions and assessing its viability for future large-scale DAC applications.
The broader significance of this research lies in its potential to advance DAC technology, making it more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. By optimizing the spin-coating process and developing advanced polymer sorbents for both CO₂ and water management, this study aims to make significant strides in improving the performance of DAC systems. The integration of polymer-based sorbents for CO₂ capture and water management is expected to contribute to the development of more reliable and scalable DAC technologies, making them a viable solution for mitigating CO₂ emissions on a global scale.
In future work, we plan to expand on these findings by further optimizing the polymer films and testing them in a variety of environmental conditions. This will involve exploring the scalability of the spin-coating process for large-scale DAC applications and fine-tuning the interaction between the polymer films and environmental factors such as CO₂ concentration, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, we aim to investigate the long-term stability of the polymer sorbents under real-world operating conditions, as well as their ability to handle a variety of environmental challenges that might arise in large-scale DAC systems.
This research will not only provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of polymer-based sorbents for DAC but also offer a deeper understanding of the role of water management in enhancing DAC efficiency. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a more efficient and sustainable DAC system that can contribute significantly to reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels and combating climate change. Through this work, we hope to provide the data needed to scale up DAC technology, making it a key player in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.