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The continuous growth of energy consumption leads to the increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), which consists of carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as carbon capture and utilization (CCU), is a technology that aims to capture CO2. Therefore, this study evaluates and provides an overview of CCUS in the period 2012–2022, by using a bibliometric analysis to obtain a complete perspective and reference on CCUS. The data search was carried out on January 20, 2022, by inputting the keyword “carbon capture utilization storage” into the Scopus database, and 296 documents were generated. Other software used included Open Refine, VOS viewer and Tableau to describe publication and citation trends, co-authorship, and co-occurrence. CCUS research trend increased by 2,766.6% from 2012 to 2022. The most productive country in investigating CCUS was China, and Zhang X. was the most prolific writer. The organization that published the highest number of research on the topic was the National Taiwan University. The publications and citations were dominated by the International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control that was published by Elsevier Ltd., which also issues a number of significant publications and receives the highest number of citations.

TiO2 photocatalysts can provide carbon-capture utilization and storage by converting atmospheric CO2 to green hydrogen, but the efficiency of the current photocatalysts is still too low for economical usage. Anatase TiO2 is effective in transferring the electrons and holes produced by the photoelectric effect to reactants because of its oxygen-terminated surfaces. However, the anatase TiO2 bandgap is 3.2 eV, which requires photons with wavelengths of 375 nm or less to produce electron–hole pairs. Therefore, TiO2 is limited to using a small part of the solar spectrum. Strain engineering has been used to design ZrO2@TiO2 core@shell structures with large strains in the TiO2 shell, which reduces its bandgap but maintains octahedral facets for charge separation and oxygen-terminated surfaces for the catalysis of reactants. Finite element analysis shows that shell thicknesses of 4–12 nm are effective at obtaining large strains in a large portion of the shell, with the largest strains occurring next to the ZrO2 surface. The c-axis strains for 4–12 nm shells are up to 7%. The strains reduce the bandgap in anatase TiO2 up to 0.35 eV, which allows for the use of sunlight with wavelengths up to 421 nm. For the AM 1.5 standard spectrum, electron–hole pair creation in 4 nm thick and 10 nm thick TiO2 shells can be increased by a predicted 25% and 23%, respectively. The 10 nm thick shells provide a much larger volume of TiO2 and use proportionally less ZrO2. In addition, surface-plasmon resonators could be added to further extend the usable spectrum and increase the production of electron–hole pairs many-fold.

Human-generated carbon emissions are the leading cause of climate change. There is a global commitment to reduce carbon emissions, in an effort to limit climate change effects. Many climate change solutions involve the mitigation of carbon emissions, mitigation alone is not enough. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) can live in the atmosphere for over 100 years. If we were to switch to 100% renewable energies, we would still damage the planet with the stagnant CO2 from the 1920’s. To combat climate change, we need a solution that can remove this carbon. One such solution is carbon capture, one of our best weapons in tackling climate change. The replacement of fossil fuel energy will not happen in the next few years, maybe not even for decades. Therefore, carbon capture is a promising ‘bridge’ technology, while we reach a sustainable level of green energy production. Carbon capture technology development has largely focused on singular processes (typically absorption, adsorption and membranes) capturing carbon from industrial exhaust systems. Recently, studies have delved into the idea of combining two or more of these technologies into one more efficient system and employing them in the industrial exhaust systems but also capturing carbon from the atmosphere. This project aims to develop a hybrid membrane and adsorption unit to capture carbon directly from the atmosphere. The aim is to provide the technology necessary to remove carbon from the atmosphere more effectively and cheaper than earlier technologies.

Direct air capture (DAC) aims to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. In this study, we have demonstrated proof-of-concept of a DAC process combining CO2 adsorption in a packed bed of amine-functionalized anion exchange resins (AERs) with a pH swing regeneration using an electrochemical cell (EC). The resin bed was regenerated using the alkaline solution produced in the cathodic compartment of the EC, while high purity CO2 (>95%) was desorbed in the acidifying compartment. After regenerating the AERs, some alkaline solution remained on the surface of the resins and provided additional CO2 capture capacity during adsorption. The highest CO2 capture capacity measured was 1.76 mmol·g-1 dry resins. Moreover, as the whole process was operated at room temperature, the resins did not show any apparent degradation after 150 cycles of adsorption-desorption. Furthermore, when the relative humidity of the air source increased from 33 to 84%, the water loss of the process decreased by 63%, while CO2 capture capacity fell 22%. Finally, although the pressure drop of the adsorption column (5 ± 1 kPa) and the energy consumption of the EC (537 ± 33 kJ·mol-1 at 20 mA·cm-2) are high, we have discussed the potential improvements toward a successful upscaling.

The data repository contains three folders: 1. "CIFS", and itincludes all structure files 2."Properties", and it includes all geometric and adsorption properties for simulated and experimental structures 3. ""KPIs", and it includes KPIs for all the case studiesfor the four layers&nbsp

My technical project and STS research paper are closely connected in their analysis of hydrogen and its potential to transform the current energy sector into a cleaner, greener system. Hydrogen is an energy carrier that has gained traction and popularity as a zero-emissions fuel, creating growing interest and research into a future “hydrogen economy” in which the primary commercial fuel would be hydrogen. Together, my technical project and research paper address two different facets of the obstacles to achieving a true hydrogen economy. In my technical work, my team and I tackle the need for cleaner means of hydrogen production and how this can be achieved, while my research focuses on the challenges of actually implementing hydrogen fuel in vehicle applications. The theme of improving hydrogen production, infrastructure, and implementation is present across both works. For my technical project, my capstone team designed a blue hydrogen production plant that uses autothermal methane reforming. Hydrogen produced through traditional methods is often called “gray hydrogen” because it is made from natural gas and releases significant carbon dioxide emissions. “Green hydrogen” is the most sustainable means of production, made simply from water, but it has not yet been scaled up for commercial use. Blue hydrogen splits the middle of these two extremes, using natural gas as a feedstock, but capturing and storing the carbon dioxide that is produced to lower the carbon footprint of the plant. Additionally, our design uses autothermal reforming, in which the energy needed to sustain the hydrogen formation reactions is generated within the system itself, instead of traditional steam methane reforming in order to reduce the energy demands of the plant. In our design, we demonstrate that a profitable and more environmentally conscious route for hydrogen production is possible. My STS research paper moves beyond the production of hydrogen and analyzes the implementation of hydrogen fuel in vehicle applications by looking at a case study in California. In this paper, I analyze how former Governor Schwarzenegger’s vision of a so-called “hydrogen highway” of hydrogen fueling stations running the length of California has struggled to become a reality. I employ Actor-Network Theory to identify the various different types of actors present in the proposed network and examine how they are interrelated. Through this analysis I argue that it was not only technical shortcomings and economic obstacles that contributed to the initial failure of the hydrogen highway, but also political turnover and opposition or indifference by key social actors. The goal of my research is to understand the social, political, and conceptual factors that may hinder the successful implementation of new, zero-emissions technologies. Both of these projects greatly benefited from being developed simultaneously. In my technical work, I learned more about the significant engineering that goes into producing pure hydrogen and gained a greater appreciation for the technical challenges involved in the development of hydrogen fueling technologies. Similarly, the research I conducted for my STS paper provided me with greater context for the political, economic, and social challenges surrounding hydrogen development. This work gave me pause to consider that although cleaner methods of hydrogen production may be ready today, society may not yet be ready for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell applications. In total, working on both my technical project and STS research paper together this year has helped me explore hydrogen and its applications from several different perspectives and provided me with a more holistic view of the potential for a future hydrogen economy.

The topics that I discuss in both my technical report and STS report are directly related in two ways: both attempt to aid in the fight against climate change, and both involve the analysis of hydrogen as a frontrunner in this fight. My technical project involves the full design and economic analysis of a blue hydrogen plant. This study provides further proof of my reasoning behind the failure of the Hydrogen Highway Blueprint Plan (HHBP). The technical project shows, not only the economic viability of hydrogen production, but also depicts a way in which hydrogen can be cleanly synthesized with minimal emissions. Thus, I will first introduce my technical project followed by a summary of the points I put forth in my STS study. I will then describe to my readers the importance of these two studies with respect to one another before presenting the two conjoined works in hopes of convincing my reader of their societal relevance. My technical project consists of the complete design of a blue hydrogen production facility. This facility utilizes autothermal methane reforming (ATR) to produce hydrogen from natural gas with minimal external power input. This plant consists of six unit operations: an amine scrubber for natural gas sweetening; the ATR unit to convert most of the methane to hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; the water gas shift reactors to convert remaining carbon monoxide into hydrogen; a second amine scrubber for carbon dioxide separation; a compressing unit for carbon dioxide storage; and a pressure swing adsorber for hydrogen product purification to 99.99% purity. This plant produces over 600 tonnes of hydrogen per year while capturing around 95% of its total carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, based on our economic analysis, the yearly plant revenue will exceed $1.35 billion with a cumulative DCF (based on 20 years operation) of $4.80 billion. My study of the California HHBP utilizes the actor network theory social framework in order to lay out an argument for its reason of failure. In this study I analyze the important components of the HHBP, which components failed to play their parts, and why these failures occurred. The current understanding of the HHBP’s failure involves claims that hydrogen powered vehicles could never be a viable climate change solution; it is far too expensive and still produces huge amounts of greenhouse gasses. I propose and defend a new understanding of this failed network. Rather than due to the incompetency of hydrogen, I cite media biases and political tensions as the major contributing factors to the plan’s failure while providing evidence disproving the previous claims of hydrogen’s excessive costs and emissions. In working on these two projects, I was able to develop a more thorough understanding of hydrogen power and the problems that have been causing implementational hindrances. The STS study allowed me to better understand how plant design and emissions could have a major effect on whether or not hydrogen power is publicly accepted, pushing me to aim my design more towards carbon capture and lower energy consumption (thus the use of ATR). Through the great deal of research conducted to develop a working plant design, I also gained a better understanding of the economic viability of hydrogen and its massive potential for growth in upcoming years, thus displaying just how valuable a hydrogen economy could be for both climate activists and hydrogen producers alike. In summary, each of these projects provided extremely valuable insight into the development of a hydrogen economy, depicting both how to build it and how best to begin its implementation.

My technical work and my STS research are very different in topic. However, they both focus on the application of emerging technology. My technical work focuses on demonstrating how an emerging technology, direct air capture of CO2, contributes to carbon reduction goals. On the other hand, my STS research focuses on analyzing the ethics behind an immoral application of another emerging technology, CRISPR-Cas9. The STS research serves as a supplement to the technical work. While the technical work illustrates how a new technology could benefit humanity, the STS research warns of the potential negative impacts of misusing a new technology. My technical work consists of two sections: CO2 direct air capture (DAC) and converting the captured carbon dioxide into methanol. In the DAC section, CO2 in air contacts with a thin film of KOH solution in a cross-flow design to chemically bind with the solution and make K2CO3. Then the K2CO3 solution reacts with a slurry of Ca(OH)2 in a fluidized bed reactor to make CaCO3 pellets and regenerate the sorbent KOH. The pellets are sent to a calciner, where temperature is raised to 900℃ to decompose CaCO3 pellets into CO2 gas and CaO pellets. CaO pellets are then sent to a slaker, reacting with water to make Ca(OH)2. CO2 produced from the above system is used to produce methanol. Two reactions are needed. The first reaction is reverse water-gas shift with ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst that partially converts CO2 and H2 into CO and water. The second reaction is hydrogenation with Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst that converts CO2, H2 and CO into methanol. My STS research is an ethical analysis of He Jiankui’s immoral application of CRISPR-Cas9 on embryos. Many authors pointed out He Jiankui’s experiments were immoral because they violated regulations and guidelines, and damaged the human rights of Lulu and Nana, twin girls born as a result of He Jiankui’s experiments. On the other hand, my analysis focuses on the nature of He Jiankui and other human actors involved. Actor Network Theory is applied to reconstruct the network around the CRISPR-Cas9 experiments and evaluate the contributions of human and non-human actors. Then virtue ethics is applied to evaluate the morality of human actors in this network. My argument is that He Jiankui was not the only actor that carried moral responsibility. He could conduct these experiments without hindrance because the adversaries in this network failed to function, as he overpowered them. My technical work gave me a better understanding of the CO2 DAC process and methanol synthesis. I learned about chemical reactions involved, how to design equipment, economics of such a plant, which illustrated the benefits of a new technology. However, new technology could also harm society when it is misused. This is demonstrated by my STS research on He Jiankui’s CRISPR-Cas9 experiments on embryos. Working on both projects allowed me to rationally examine a new technology, understanding a technology always has a bright and a dark side.

This thesis portfolio contains a technical capstone project and an STS research paper, both of which feature technologies that have been developed in part to combat global warming and climate change. For the technical project this is carbon capture and storage (CCS), and for the STS research paper it is nuclear energy. Specifically, the technical project involved designing a blue hydrogen plant utilizing autothermal reforming, which minimizes carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by capturing the greenhouse gas and liquifying it for enhanced oil recovery. Looking at the STS research paper, I analyzed the impacts HBO’s 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘺𝘭 (2019) had on the perception, development, and current implementation of nuclear energy in the United States. While nuclear energy can be seen as a solution to burning fossil fuels for electricity, since CO2 is not produced during the fission process, its history and perception is controversial to say the least. Despite the many challenges both technologies present, the appeal is understandable: CCS technologies can be retrofitted to existing processes, and nuclear energy has plenty of existing infrastructure in the US. Hydrogen production from natural gas is an extremely CO2 emission-heavy process; however, utilizing carbon capture techniques, this important resource can be produced with a much lower environmental impact. We propose an autothermal methane reforming plant as a relatively low-energy intensive process for the purpose of producing hydrogen and capturing the generated carbon dioxide. Hydrogen will be produced through a series of reactions combining either steam and methane or steam and carbon monoxide to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide via steam methane reforming reactions or water gas shift reactions, respectively. Carbon dioxide will be captured and sold for use in enhanced oil recovery while hydrogen will be purified via pressure swing adsorption and then sold and piped to an adjacent ammonia production facility. The plant is expected to run for about 20 years at an average production capacity of 254 kT hydrogen per year. Using Aspen Plus simulations, each unit was designed, and reactions and separations were modeled. From these designs, the overall calculated capital cost of plant installation was estimated at $1.3 billion and operational costs of $567 million. The majority of these operational costs come from raw materials, such as natural gas and oxygen, with labor and utility costs making up a small portion. In total, the yearly revenue of the plant is estimated to be $1.4 billion, made primarily from the sale of hydrogen at $5 per kg and carbon dioxide at $34 per tonne. Based on our analyses of our costs and revenue streams, we have found this to be a feasible and profitable investment that, with proper monetary aid, can begin to move forward with construction. Future blue hydrogen processes could work to further optimize reactor systems towards methane conversion and minimize energy costs associated with carbon capture, and assumptions around unit outputs could also be reevaluated in more detail. Overall, we believe that our study and design will contribute knowledge to the blue hydrogen space and draw potential investors to its market, leading to a more environmentally friendly hydrogen market. Contrary to past media on nuclear power risks, 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘺𝘭 is having a more ambivalent impact on the perception, development, and implementation of US nuclear energy. A review of literature shows that nuclear energy perceptions don’t usually match their accident occurrence rates, and media can affect how people view technology, especially nuclear energy. Data gathered for investigating and supporting this paper’s claim include national polls, various datasets, critic and audience reviews, and academic papers looking at the sociotechnical impacts of the show. In my review of this evidence, I will examine the social, political, and economic impacts of 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘺𝘭 on America’s nuclear industry, with a particular emphasis on the alteration or lack thereof of the country’s sociotechnical imaginaries regarding future energy production. Doing this points to 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘺𝘭 having a negative effect on the US nuclear industry purely in a correlational sense, not directly, and that this evidence isn’t particularly strong. Further, there are many critic and audience reviews stressing the show’s key message that it wasn’t primarily the technology that caused Chernobyl, but the inadequately trained personnel and Soviet Union’s administrative culture of secrecy and lies. Understanding this message, broadly speaking, points to an American sociotechnical imaginary where nuclear energy will be utilized in some degree to address our energy needs amidst the climate crisis. By working on both the capstone project and STS research paper simultaneously, I gained a broader insight to each topic that otherwise would not have been possible had the projects been completed separately and in isolation. One major insight was the technical challenges of each technology. Researching nuclear energy taught me so much about process safety, a vital component of designing a blue hydrogen plant, and in making that plant I acquired a better appreciation for the scale of nuclear power plants and how that may affect perceptions. Completing both projects also opened the door to understanding why the climate crisis is so challenging to deal with. While both nuclear energy and blue hydrogen mostly succeed in minimally contributing to global warming and climate change, naturally there are roadblocks that traditional processes don’t have to address. Designing gray hydrogen plants is easier than blue hydrogen ones since the generated CO2 gas can just be released into the atmosphere, and using natural gas for electricity generation is less controversial than using nuclear sources. All that being said, making the fundamental changes to decrease the total amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere is worth the added challenges, as it is easier to keep a world livable than to make it livable again. I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to research and create this thesis portfolio, and I hope its findings will lead to a better, more knowledgeable world.

We describe a scalable, economical solution to the carbon dioxide problem. CO2 is captured from the atmosphere by plants, and the harvested vegetation is then buried in an engineered dry biolandfill. Plant biomass can be preserved for hundreds to thousands of years by burial in a dry environment with sufficiently low thermodynamic "Water Activity," which is the relative humidity in equilibrium with the biomass. Maintaining a dry environment within the engineered dry biolandfill is assisted by salt that preserves biomass, which has been known since Biblical times. A "Water Activity"

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the total environmental impact of state-of-the-art Waste-to-Energy (WtE) in Belgium, with respect to recovered energy utilization and addition of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Four energy output scenarios were modelled on Umberto LCA software using primary data of mass and energy flows surrounding the six incinerators at the considered WtE plant, and predefined processes from the Ecoinvent 3.6 database. The normalized LCA results suggest that by utilizing all the recovered energy as steam, the WtE plant can avoid an equivalent annual environmental impact value of approximately 21200, 36800, 6700, 15800, 37000 and 6900 average European citizens in the impact categories ‘climate change’, ‘freshwater and terrestrial acidification’, ‘freshwater eutrophication, ‘photochemical ozone creation’ and ‘respiratory effects, inorganics’, ‘terrestrial eutrophication’, respectively. The ‘Electricity and Steam with CCS’ scenario resulted in the most avoided environmental impact in the impact category ‘climate change’. However, in all other impact categories, it resulted in less avoided environmental impact compared to the ‘Steam’ scenario. The comparative analysis showed that 19 out of 24 of the LCA results varied by more than 50% between two energy substitution models, thus quantifying the influence of energy substitution in LCA modelling. This study exemplifies the environmental benefit WtE technology can realize by substituting conventional energy production processes that are reliant on fossil resources, whilst performing its primary function that is reducing the volume of non-recyclable waste, destroying hazardous organic components it contains and recovering useful materials from it.

Resumen: Este estudio evaluó las condiciones ambientales y socioeconómicas del páramo La Cortadera con el fin de identificar los impactos ambientales que se deben considerar en la prestación del servicio de captura de carbono. Mediante la metodología de la Secretaría Distrital de Medio Ambiente (2013) para la valoración y evaluación ambiental, se plantearon dos escenarios, el actual y uno con bonos de carbono, con el fin de comparar cómo la prestación del servicio de captura contribuye a la recuperación y la conservación del medio ambiente. Dentro de los resultados, se identificaron 82 impactos en el escenario actual, en donde predominan los adversos significativos, temporales y mitigables relacionados con las actividades antrópicas que se realizan en el páramo; mientras que en el escenario con bonos de carbono se identificaron 30 impactos ambientales asociados a los medios biótico, abiótico y socioeconómico, de los cuales 25 son positivos y se encuentran clasificados mayoritariamente como significativos y de importancia alta, vinculados con actividades de administración del área protegida, institucionalidad, investigación, generación de conocimiento y fortalecimiento del componente socioeconómico y cultural. De acuerdo con los impactos negativos del escenario actual (90%), el páramo presenta en su lindero un grado de afectación y fragmentación considerable atribuido principalmente a la expansión de la frontera agropecuaria. Por tal motivo, como muestran los resultados en el escenario con bonos de carbono (83% de impactos positivos), la estructuración de un protocolo para la prestación del servicio de captura en el ecosistema y del plan de manejo ambiental para mitigar los impactos identificados contribuirían a su recuperación, conservación y desarrollo sostenible. Abstract: This study assessed the environmental and socioeconomic conditions of the La Cortadera moor in order to identify the environmental impacts to be considered in the provision of the carbon capture service. Using the methodology of the Secretaría Distrital de Medio Ambiente (2013) for environmental assessment and evaluation, two scenarios were proposed, the current and one with carbon credits, in order to compare how the provision of the capture service contributes to the recovery and conservation of the environment. Among the results, 82 impacts were identified in the current scenario, where significant, temporary and mitigable adverse impacts related to the anthropic activities carried out in the moor predomínate; while in the scenario with carbon credits, 30 environmental impacts associated with the biotic, abiotic and socioeconomic environments were identified, of which 25 are positive and are classified mostly as significant and of high importance, linked to activities of administration of the protected area, institutionalism, research, generation of knowledge and strengthening of the socioeconomic and cultural component. According to the negative impacts of the current scenario (90%), the moor has been affected and fragmented to a considerable degree, mainly due to the expansion of the agricultural frontier. For this reason, as shown by the results in the scenario with carbon credits (83% positive impacts), the structuring of a protocol for the provision of the capture service in the ecosystem and the environmental management plan to mitigate the identified impacts would contribute to its recovery, conservation and sustainable development. Resumo: Este estudo avaliou as condições ambientais e socioeconómicas do pântano La Cortadera para identificar os impactos ambientais que devem ser considerados na prestação do serviço de captura de carbono. Através da metodologia da Secretaria Distrital de Meio Ambiente (2013) para a valorização e avaliação ambiental, foram propostos dois cenários, o atual e um com bónus de carbono, a fim de comparar a forma como a prestação do serviço de captura contribui para a recuperação e a conservação do ambiente. Dentro dos resultados, foram identificados 82 impactos no cenário atual, onde predominam os adversos significativos, temporais e mitigados relacionados às atividades antrópicas realizadas no páramo; no entanto que no cenário das emissões de carbono foram identificados 30 impactos ambientais associados ao meio biótico, abiótico e socioeconómico, dos quais 25 são positivos e estão classificados, na sua maioria, como significativos e de elevada importância, ligados a atividades de administração da área protegida, institucionalidade, investigação, geração de conhecimento e fortalecimento do componente socioeconómico e cultural. De acordo com os impactos negativos do cenário atual (90%), o páramo apresenta em seu limite um grau de afetação e fragmentação considerável atribuído principalmente à expansão da fronteira agropecuária. Por esta razão, como mostram os resultados no cenário com bónus de carbono (83% impactos positivos), a estruturação de um protocolo para a prestação do serviço de captura no ecossistema e do plano de gestão ambiental para mitigar os impactos identificados contribuiriam para a sua recuperação, conservação e desenvolvimento sustentável.

At present, crude oil and natural gas comprise ∼54.3% of the global energy supply. Rapidly replacing this with lower carbon sources is challenging, resulting in oil and gas forming a significant part of the energy mix in future predictions, even in scenarios that strive to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. To assess the likely future demand, an analysis of multiple, recently published, rapid energy transition scenarios was conducted, indicating that 943.3 Bbbl of oil and 4,733.5 Tcf of gas will be required in the next three decades. Furthermore, analysis of different supply estimates indicates that 357.1–284.1 Bbbl of oil and 2,274.6–2,170.2 Tcf of gas will need to be found to complement existing recoverable reserves. To meet this demand will require the exploration and production of low carbon intensity ‘advantaged hydrocarbons’, combined with significant carbon sequestration activity. As hydrocarbon recovery becomes more difficult and energy intensive with time, it may be preferable to replace some existing ‘disadvantaged’ fields with new ‘advantaged’ hydrocarbons, implying the supply gap may be underestimated. Energy strategy at a national and global level must account for the large demand for hydrocarbons in coming decades and exploration and production companies need to align with the advantaged hydrocarbon paradigm. Stimulus is required to realise the carbon capture and storage capacity required to mitigate the consequences of the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.

Funder: Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, Funder: University of Vermont, Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Zr-oxide secondary building units construct metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with excellent gas adsorption properties and high mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability. These attributes have led Zr-oxide MOFs to be well-recognized for a wide range of applications, including gas storage and separation, catalysis, as well as healthcare domain. Here, we report structure search methods within the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) to create a curated subset of 102 Zr-oxide MOFs synthesized to date, bringing a unique record for all researchers working in this area. For the identified structures, we manually corrected the proton topology of hydroxyl and water molecules on the Zr-oxide nodes and characterized their textural properties, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) area, and topology. Importantly, we performed systematic periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations comparing 25 different combinations of basis sets and functionals to calculate framework partial atomic charges for use in gas adsorption simulations. Through experimental verification of CO2 adsorption in selected Zr-oxide MOFs, we demonstrate the sensitivity of CO2 adsorption predictions at the Henry's regime to the choice of the DFT method for partial charge calculations. We characterized Zr-MOFs for their CO2 adsorption performance via high-throughput grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and revealed how the chemistry of the Zr-oxide node could have a significant impact on CO2 uptake predictions. We found that the maximum CO2 uptake is obtained for structures with the heat of adsorption values >25 kJ/mol and the largest cavity diameters of ca. 6-7 Å. Finally, we introduced augmented reality (AR) visualizations as a means to bring adsorption phenomena alive in porous adsorbents and to dynamically explore gas adsorption sites in MOFs.

Amending municipal solid waste incineration with carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a new approach that can reduce the climate change impacts of waste incineration. This study provides a detailed analysis of the consequences of amending the new Amager Bakke incinerator in Copenhagen (capacity: 600,000 tonnes waste per year) with CCS as a post-combustion technology. Emphasis is on the changes in the energy flows and outputs as well as the environmental performance of the plant; the latter is assessed by life cycle assessment. Amending Amager Bakke with CCS of the chosen configuration reduces the electricity output by 50% due to steam use by the capture unit, but introducing post-capture flue gas condensation increases the heat output utilized in the Copenhagen district heating system by 20%. Thus, the overall net energy efficiency is not affected. The CCS amendment reduces the fossil CO2 emissions to 40 kg CO2 per tonne of incinerated waste and stores 530 kg biogenic CO2 per tonne of incinerated waste. Potential developments in the composition of the residual waste incinerated or in the energy systems that Amager Bakke interacts with, do not question the benefits of the CCS amendment. In terms of climate change impacts, considering different waste composition and energy system scenarios, introducing CCS reduces in average the impact of Amager Bakke by 850 kg CO2-equivalents per tonne of incinerated waste. CCS increases the environmental impacts in other categories, but not in the same order of magnitude as the savings introduced within climate change.

Predictable and tunable etching of angstrom-scale nanopores in single-layer graphene (SLG) can allow one to realize high-performance gas separation even from similar-sized molecules. We advance toward this goal by developing two etching regimes for SLG where the incorporation of angstrom-scale vacancy defects can be controlled. We screen several exposure profiles for the etchant, controlled by a multipulse millisecond treatment, using a mathematical model predicting the nucleation and pore expansion rates. The screened profiles yield a narrow pore-size-distribution (PSD) with a majority of defects smaller than missing 16 carbon atoms, suitable for CO2/N2 separation, attributing to the reduced pore expansion rate at a high pore density. Resulting nanoporous SLG (N-SLG) membranes yield attractive CO2 permeance of 4400 ± 2070 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity of 33.4 ± 7.9. In the second etching regime, by limiting the supply of the etchant, the nanopores are allowed to expand while suppressing the nucleation events. Extremely attractive carbon capture performance marked with CO2 permeance of 8730 GPU, and CO2/N2 selectivity of 33.4 is obtained when CO2-selective polymeric chains are functionalized on the expanded nanopores. We show that the etching strategy is uniform and scalable by successfully fabricating high-performance centimeter-scale membrane.

This work covers a techno-economic assessment for processes with inherent CO2 separation, where a fluidized bed heat exchanger (FBHE) is used as heat source for steam reforming in a hydrogen production plant. This article builds upon the work presented in Part 1 of this study by Stenberg et al. [1], where a process excluding CO2 capture was examined. Part 2 suggests two process configurations integrating steam reforming with a chemical-looping combustion (CLC) system, thus providing inherent CO2 capture. The first system (case CM) uses natural gas as supplementary fuel whereas the second system (case CB) uses solid biomass, which enables net negative CO2 emissions. In both systems, the reformer tubes are immersed in a bubbling fluidized bed where heat for steam reforming is efficiently transferred to the tubes. The processes include CO2 compression for pipeline transportation, but excludes transport and storage. The CLC system is designed based on key parameters, such as the oxygen carrier circulation rate and oxygen transport capacity. The first system displays a process with net zero emissions and a hydrogen production efficiency which is estimated to 76.2%, which is almost 8% higher than the conventional process. The levelized production cost is 1.6% lower at below 2.6 €/kg H2. The second system shows the possibility to reduce the emissions to −34.1 g CO2/MJH2 compared to the conventional plant which emits 80.7 g CO2/MJH2. The hydrogen production efficiency is above 72% and around 2% higher than the conventional process. The capital investments are higher in this plant and the levelized hydrogen production cost is estimated to around 2.67 €/kg. The cost of CO2 avoidance, based on a reference SMR plant with CO2 capture, is low for both cases (−4.3 €/tonCO2 for case CM and 2.7 €/tonCO2 for case CB).

Membrane processes have been investigated for carbon capture for more than four decades. Important efforts have been more recently achieved for the development of advanced materials and, to a lesser extent, on process engineering studies. A state-of-the-art analysis is proposed with a critical comparison to gas absorption technology, which is still considered as the best available technology for this application. The possibilities offered by high-performance membrane materials (zeolites, Carbon Molecular Sieves, Metal Oxide Frameworks, graphenes, facilitated transport membranes, etc.) are discussed in combination to process strategies (multistage design, hybrid processes, energy integration). The future challenges and open questions of membranes for carbon capture are finally proposed.

South Africa is the largest CO2 emitter on the African continent. These emissions stem from a heavy reliance on coal as the primary energy fuel and contributor toward socio-economic development. The South African government has targeted reducing CO2 emissions by more than half in the next 10 years. To meet climate change mitigation scenarios, while alleviating continued emissions, South Africa will look to technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Initial assessments of South Africa’s potential for CO2 storage have focused on deep saline aquifers within volcano-sedimentary sequences along the near and offshore regions. Sustaining the Just Transition will, however, require additional storage capacity. In this study, we make an initial assessment of possible CO2 storage in basaltic sequences of the Ventersdorp Supergroup. Geological and mineralogical information was ascertained from borehole data. The geological information suggests that the subsurface extent of the Ventersdorp Supergroup is at least 80 000 km2 larger than previously mapped, extending beneath major point-source CO2 emitters and active coalfields. Furthermore, petrographic analyses suggest pore space of up to ca 15% with minimal alteration, and preservation of mafic silicate minerals that would enable reactive carbonation of injected CO2. Notable metasomatic and hydrothermal alteration is confined to significant contact horizons, such as the lowermost Ventersdorp Contact Reef. These results suggest that basaltic sequences may exponentially increase South Africa’s CO2 sequestration storage capacity and may have a significant impact on the country’s Just Transition. Significance: This study shows that basaltic sequences may support the permanent storage of anthropogenic CO2 in South Africa, in particular, proximal to significant point-source CO2 emitters. South Africa has voluminous and widespread basaltic sequences, which, in combination, increase South Africa’s geological CO2 storage potential by several orders of magnitude. These storage reservoirs can have a direct impact in South Africa by enabling a sustainable Just Transition toward a low-carbon economy while meeting intended climate change mitigation scenarios.

Traditional organic amines exhibit inferior desorption performance and high regeneration energy consumption. The implementation of solid acid catalysts presents an efficacious approach to mitigate regeneration energy consumption. Thus, investigating high-performance solid acid catalysts holds paramount importance for the advancement and implementation of carbon capture technology. This study synthesized two Lewis acid catalysts via an ultrasonic-assisted precipitation method. A comparative analysis of the catalytic desorption properties was conducted, encompassing these two Lewis acid catalysts and three precursor catalysts. The results demonstrated that the CeO2-γ-Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated superior catalytic desorption performance. Within the desorption temperature range of 90 to 110 °C, the average desorption rate of BZA-AEP catalyzed by the CeO2-γ-Al2O3 catalyst was 87 to 354% greater compared to the desorption rate in the absence of the catalyst, and the desorption temperature can be reduced by approximately 10 °C. A comprehensive analysis of the catalytic desorption mechanism of the CeO2-γ-Al2O3 catalyst was conducted, and indicated that the synergistic effect of CeO2-γ-Al2O3 conferred a potent catalytic influence throughout the entire desorption process, spanning from the rich solution to the lean solution.

In the pursuit of addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development, this study presents a comprehensive and intricate mathematical model that provides valuable insights into the process of carbon dioxide capture using ammonia aqueous solutions as solvents. The ability of the model to accurately describe the process under consideration is supported by the validation results. Specifically, the validation process involves the examination of four parameters over the height of the absorption column. The results demonstrate a strong correlation as the model predicted profiles are in close agreement with experimental values, with an error coefficient exceeding R = 0.91. When subjecting the system to a 25% variation in flue gas inflow, the carbon capture rate exhibits a significant fluctuation (7–10%) for both increasing and decreasing cases. In addition, the validated model is scaled-up to simulate the industrial-scale ammonia-based absorption process of carbon dioxide. The simulation incorporates a column with intercooling after each layer of packing. The results indicate that by minimizing the temperature within the column, the concentration of ammonia in the clean gases obtained at the top remains below 10 ppm, while the capture rate increases up to 94%. Furthermore, the analysis of a predetermined scenario reveals that the model can effectively replicate the behavior of the system under various conditions. This finding highlights its potential utility for future applications, including process optimization and the implementation of control techniques aimed at mitigating the above-mentioned drawbacks, such as solvent loss due to vaporization.

The objective of this work is to utilize integrated geomechanics, field vertical seismic profile (VSP) and microseismic data to characterize the complex subsurface stress conditions at the Farnsworth Unit (FWU). The model is based on a five-spot sector model extracted from a primary geomechanical model. The five-spot well injection pattern is characterized by extensive reservoir characterization data, such well logs, extracted cores and borehole geophone data, to facilitate the detailed examination of stress changes and microseismic event occurrences. The study utilizes field vertical seismic volumes acquired from the injection well 13-10A. The seismic volumes successfully provided snapshots of the behavior of the reservoir at distinct times. The use of VSP and microseismic data provided direct and indirect estimates of the dynamic stress changes occurring in the overburden, reservoir and underburden rock formations. In order to illuminate the stress regions and identify rocks that have undergone inelastic failure, microseismic event occurrences were utilized. Microseismic activity has been detected at the FWU; further study of its locations, timing, and magnitude was needed to deduce the nature of the changing stress state. The results of the study revealed that microseismic events were successfully modeled within the Morrow B formation. Moment magnitudes of seismic events were within the same magnitudes for events in the reservoir, suggesting the suitability of the model. The results of the study showed that the computed moment magnitudes for seismic events were insignificant to warrant safety concerns. The study findings showed the usefulness of coupled hydromechanical models in predicting the subsurface stress changes associated with CO2 injection. The knowledge gained from this study will serve as a guideline for industries planning to undertake underground CO2 storage, and characterize the subsurface stress changes.

One of the most essential elements of environmental protection is an appropriate policy towards carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). On the one hand, these technologies are being dynamically developed. Still, on the other hand, we often encounter social resistance to change and new technologies, which is one of the main barriers to their implementation. This research examined public acceptance and awareness of Indonesia’s CCUS technologies. Five hundred respondents completed an online survey representing Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, and Tangerang. The study found that the respondents had more favourable feelings towards carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) than CO2 capture and storage (CCS), perceiving CCU as more innovative, necessary, cost-effective, secure, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to regional and national economies than CCS. However, in Indonesia, most respondents did not embrace the development of CCUS technology due to a lack of knowledge and fear, which can lead to violence. The results indicate that an individual’s awareness of perceived risks and the ability to safeguard the environment are crucial to their acceptance of CCUS technology. These findings contribute to understanding the public perception of CCUS technologies in Indonesia and can help to develop effective communication strategies to improve public understanding and acceptance of CCUS initiatives.

The biomethanation process involves the conversion of CO2 into a valuable energy carrier (i.e., methane) by methanogenic archaea. Since it can be operated at mild conditions, it is more sustainable than traditional chemical approaches. Nevertheless, the efficacy of biomethanation is limited by the low kinetics of the microbiological reaction and the poor solubility of H2 in water. Herein, the effect of soluble (i.e., AQDS) and insoluble (i.e., biochar) quinone-based redox mediators on the kinetics of H2-fueled biological methanation in bench-scale microcosms was investigated. Microcosms were set up in 120 mL serum bottles and were initially inoculated with a methanogenic sludge deriving from a lab-scale anaerobic digester treating food waste. As a result, the kinetics of H2 consumption and CH4 generation were greatly increased (p < 0.05) in presence of AQDS as compared to the control, accounting for up to +160% and +125% in the last experimental cycle, respectively. These findings could be explained by a two-step mechanism, whereby microbes used H2 to quickly reduce AQDS into the highly soluble AH2QDS, which in turn served as a more efficient electron donor for methanogenesis. In contrast, the used biochar had apparently an adverse effect on the biomethanation process.

Inorganic corrosion inhibitors are commonly applied to mitigate severe corrosion in absorption-based carbon capture plants. They are, however, not environmentally friendly, posing a health risk, harming the environment, and making chemical handling and disposal costly. Therefore, this study evaluated the corrosion inhibition performance of an amino acid, namely cysteine, with the aim of providing an eco-friendly alternative to the commercial inorganic corrosion inhibitors. Electrochemical and weight loss corrosion measurements showed that cysteine was effective in protecting carbon steel at all process operating conditions. At 80 °C, a 500 ppm cysteine could provide up to 83% and 99% inhibition efficiency under static and dynamic flow conditions, respectively. Its inhibition efficiency could be improved when the cysteine concentration, solution temperature, and flow condition were altered. Cysteine was an anodic corrosion inhibitor and underwent spontaneous, endothermic, and combined physical and chemical adsorption that followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The quantum chemical analysis indicated that cysteine had a high reactivity with metal surfaces due to its low energy gap and high dipole moment. The EDX analysis revealed a significant sulphur content on the metal substrate, indicating that cysteine’s mercapto group played an integral role in forming an effective adsorption layer on the metal interface.

Assessing the role of carbon capture in energy systems dominated by non-dispatchable renewable energy sources requires a reliable and accurate model. However, carbon capture models used in complex systems optimisation are often very simplified. Therefore, we developed a mixed-integer linear model of post-combustion carbon capture starting from rigorous thermodynamic modelling in Aspen Plus. The final model decides the size and the operation of the capture process and returns the cost and energy requirements as a function of the CO2 concentration and the flow rate of the treated flue gas. Validation against actual plant data (Petra Nova) showed excellent accuracy with a deviation in total CO2 captured of just 2%. By applying the model to an exemplary case study, we show that it allows for co-optimising renewables deployment and carbon capture design and operation for a gas turbine, thus opening opportunities to explore new system designs of practical added value.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are compounds of a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) that contain a depressed melting point compared to their individual constituents. DES have been studied for their use as carbon capture media and biogas upgrading. However, contaminants’ presence in biogas might affect the carbon capture by DES. In this study, conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) was used to determine the effect of temperature, pressure, and selective contaminants on five DES’ namely, choline chloride-urea, choline chloride-ethylene glycol, tetra butyl ammonium chloride-ethylene glycol, tetra butyl ammonium bromide-decanoic acid, and tetra octyl ammonium chloride-decanoic acid. Impurities studied in this paper are hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, water, nitrogen, octamethyltrisiloxane, and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane. At infinite dilution, CO2 solubility dependence upon temperature in each DES was examined by means of Henry’s Law constants. Next, the systems were modeled from infinite dilution to equilibrium using the modified Raoults’ Law, where CO2 solubility dependence upon pressure was examined. Finally, solubility of CO2 and CH4 in the various DES were explored with the presence of varying mole percent of selective contaminants. Among the parameters studied, it was found that the HBD of the solvent is the most determinant factor for the effectiveness of CO2 solubility. Other factors affecting the solubility are alkyl chain length of the HBA, the associated halogen, and the resulting polarity of the DES. It was also found that choline chloride-urea is the most selective to CO2, but has the lowest CO2 solubility, and is the most polar among other solvents. On the other hand, tetraoctylammonium chloride-decanoic acid is the least selective, has the highest maximum CO2 solubility, is the least polar, and is the least affected by its environment.

Certain gases that are capable of trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere are known as “greenhouse gas” and are important for helping to regulate temperature. Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide as a combustion product and atmospheric concentrations have increased dramatically over the past two centuries. The heat trapped by this additional greenhouse gas is changing climates, melting ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions, raising sea levels, and affecting ocean currents. Climate change can be mitigated by preventing the emission of additional fossil fuel combustion products to the atmosphere and reducing existing greenhouse gas levels back to pre-industrial revolution concentrations. This requires switching energy production to sustainable, non-fossil sources and applying carbon capture, use, and storage technology on the fossil fuel combustion that remains. The implementation of direct air capture technology to reduce existing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere can further remediate climate impacts. Captured carbon dioxide can be stored in plant tissues, soils, deep underground in geological repositories, or as solid materials like concrete or carbonates to keep it from reentering the atmosphere. Although non-carbon energy sources have recently become more cost-competitive with fossil energy, technological advancements and government policies are still needed to overcome the inherent economic advantages of fossil fuels. A global strategy must be developed to convince people that the higher cost of clean, sustainable energy is a price worth paying to replace fossil fuels and prevent a major environmental calamity. Cited as: Soeder, D. J. Greenhouse gas sources and mitigation strategies from a geosciences perspective. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(3): 274-285, doi: 10.46690/ager.2021.03.04

Carbon capture and storage in deep geological formations is necessary to achieve a meaningful reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Given the buoyancy of the injected CO2, it is essential to adequately characterize the sealing caprocks commonly comprised of clay-rich formations, including shales. If the inherent anisotropy of shales is not considered, model prediction errors will propagate with time and space. To limit errors, the accurate experimental laboratory measurements should be scaled up and the in-situ behavior of the caprock should be studied in detail. Underground rock laboratories (URLs) offer a unique opportunity to investigate the caprock sealing capacity at a few meters scale in a well-defined and well-monitored environment. This perspective applies to the CO2 Long-term Periodic Injection Experiment (CO2LPIE) at the Swiss Mont Terri URL. In the experiment, it is planned to inject gaseous CO2 into Opalinus Clay, which is considered as a representative caprock for underground storage. Opalinus Clay shows large-scale anisotropic behavior due to the presence of bedding planes and heteorogeneities. We numerically simulate the CO2LPIE experiment using a 3D hydro-mechanical model and assuming linear poroelastic transverse isotropic behavior of the rock. We find that the CO2 is unlikely to penetrate the rock in free phase, while the diffusive front of dissolved CO2 in resident brine hardly propagates half a meter after two years of injection. The overpressure and induced deformation and stress changes preferentially develop along the bedding planes, although not sufficiently to lead to shear failure.

Current state-of-the-art thermal technologies for CO2 Capture and Concentration (CCC) from industrial emissions and air are energetically inefficient. In contrast, electrochemical CCC (eCCC) using redox carriers can theoretically approach 100% efficiency. However, there are currently few oxygen-stable redox carriers suitable for eCCC. Quinone derivatives have previously been studied as redox carriers, as they have no affinity for CO2 in the fully oxidized state and an enhanced affinity for CO2 in their reduced states. Unfortunately, the quinones used in prior studies displayed an unfavorable tradeoff between their second reduction potential (E1/2) and CO2 binding constant (KCO2). As a result, reduced quinones that exhibit a sufficient KCO2 for flue gas or atmospheric CO2 capture have E1/2 values negative of the O2/O2•‒ reduction potential. To improve our understanding of the structural and electronic relationships that correlate KCO2 and E1/2, we report the largest set of quinones that have been experimentally evaluated for their KCO2 and E1/2 properties. The trends in the E1/2 and KCO2 properties were further investigated through extensive quantum chemical calculations to inform experimental carrier design. Notably, we identified structural handles to manipulate E1/2 and KCO2 properties of quinones; however, the altered steric and electronic effects did not disrupt their linear dependence.

With the increase in global temperatures brought on by alarmingly high rates of carbon dioxide emissions, many argue that the world needs to transition to net-zero emissions with capabilities to create negative emissions as well to reach climate change goals from the Paris Climate Agreement. To address this, the technical project seeks to design a theoretical chemical plant to facilitate a carbon-neutral process to produce methanol using carbon dioxide removed from the ambient atmosphere via Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology and procured blue hydrogen. The objective of the technical research is to demonstrate the technological and financial potential of DAC technology by using the captured carbon as a feedstock for methanol synthesis and to create a carbon-neutral method for the production of methanol, a process that traditionally expels a significant amount of emissions into the atmosphere. The STS research is an investigation of the most influential actors which impact the development of carbon capture technology through the lens of the Actor Network Theory (ANT), developed by Law, Callon, and Latour. This research sought to uncover why a technology such as carbon capture has not been widely accepted by society, despite it having the potential to solve global warming from anthropogenic sources. The technical and STS research topics are tightly coupled as the technical research investigates a method to improve the economics of carbon capture technology, one of the largest societal barriers found in the STS research. The technical project seeks to create a bridge between the carbon-neutrality goals determined by the Paris Climate Agreement and a generation of profit given today’s fossil-fuel based energy industry. Typically, carbon dioxide is sequestered post-capture from DAC technologies, so converting the captured carbon into a sellable fuel is intended to improve the economic viability of this technology. The technical project focuses on the theoretical design of a process that will separate and purify 1.2 trillion kilograms per year of carbon dioxide from ambient air which will be used as a feedstock, as well as hydrogen, for the generation of 420 million kilograms per year of methanol. The design includes considerations of material balances, heat exchange, major and ancillary equipment design, economic viability, and safety, health, and environmental concerns. The design was based upon published theoretical, empirical, and heuristic information about DAC and methanol synthesis processes coupled with simulations from ASPEN, a process simulation software for chemical processes. The overall process was designed in two stages: upstream DAC processes and downstream methanol synthesis processes. The DAC subunit consists of 5 major unit operations responsible for separating and purifying carbon dioxide to 99.8% which include an Air Contactor, Pellet Reactor, Calciner, Slaker, and a Compression System. The methanol synthesis subunit consists of 3 major units to react the captured carbon dioxide with hydrogen to produce methanol which include a Reverse Water Gas Shift Reactor, Methanol Synthesis Reactor, and a Distillation Tower. Considering the upfront capital cost, manufacturing cost, and revenue from selling methanol, this design was not recommended to be considered for operation at this time due to its lack of economic viability. The STS research focuses on the analysis of carbon capture and the role society has on its lack of implementation. Carbon capture technology has the potential to solve many issues relating to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, yet the technology is not employed on a large scale. The research revolves around the question of which actor is most responsible for preventing the widespread use of carbon capture and what motivates this. The Actor Network Theory was used to investigate the issue as the framework considers the interactions between human and non-human actors, indicating that practices of technology and society are inherently intertwined. Alongside ANT, case studies were used to understand the motivations of the relevant actors. Although there are many actors which impact the success of carbon capture, government funding is by far the most influential. Other actors, such as politicians, the fossil fuel industry, and the public, affect the implementation of carbon capture through influencing whether or not the novel technology receives financial support from the government. This is illustrated through the case studies surrounding the shut down of Petra Nova, a government and privately funded carbon capture and sequestration project, and the rejection of carbon capture in Cancer Alley, a region afflicted by high cancer rates attributed to the high presence of industrial facilities in the area. As the world seeks to solve global warming, mitigative technology such as carbon capture can be an extremely advantageous solution, if implemented properly. As illustrated in the technical and STS research, there are many technological and societal barriers preventing its widespread implementation, but the continuation of research on carbon capture is still essential to begin reversing the distressing effects of climate change.

As climate change induced by manmade actions continues to worsen, designing and implementing better and more resilient infrastructure is vital to adapt to our changing climate and world. The technical portion focuses on the redesign of Fashion Square Mall located in Charlottesville, Virginia in the Meadow Creek Watershed. The watershed is ecologically impaired due to high levels of nitrogen, phosphate and sediment and retrofitting the mall to include greater amounts of green infrastructure will help remove pollutants and slow stormwater down. Another way to combat a changing climate is through carbon capture and sequestration technologies. As these technologies become more prominent in order to combat climate change,the equitable distribution need to be considered in order to make the largest impact. Therefore, although loosely coupled, both papers relate to the designing and the implementation of better and more resilient infrastructure to adapt to our changing climate and world. The technical portion’s purpose was to redesign the stormwater management system of the Meadow Creek watershed to improve water quality through incorporating green infrastructure. It has the ability to improve water quality and reduce peak flows, and it can reduce the urban heat island effect. Green infrastructure also is more aesthetically pleasing and engages residents into the natural environment. The team chose to focus on redesigning the Fashion Square Mall parcel because of its current lack of stormwater management, abundance of impervious surface and waning economic potential. GIS was used to map out the layout of the design and calculate areas for each feature of the redesign. Additionally, PCSWMM, i-Tree, and VRRM models were developed for the site to perform hydraulic, hydrologic, and environmental analyses of the system. The results indicated that through the implementation of green infrastructure, the site was able to see sustainable changes in pollutant loads and stormwater peak flows. The largest change, although, was not due to the green infrastructure but instead from land use changes from impervious parking lot to something as simple as green space. This indicates that although green infrastructure is immensely useful, not disturbing natural environments in the first place provides equal or even greater benefit. The purpose of the STS portion was to investigate the different actors that influence the equitable distribution of carbon capture and sequestration technologies. There is limited time and money and to create the largest impact, the difference between where and when to invest are vital. Using actor-network theory, the different components that affect such a decision were analyzed, as well as the social and moral implications and the roles the different actors can take. Implementing carbon capture and sequestration technologies in developing countries would have the largest impact. Wealthier nations have the resources to invest in solutions that do not even require the emitting of carbon dioxide, while less wealthy nations could still use fossil fuels to become more stable but become net zero through these technologies. To accomplish this, a global network needs to be established, with governments taking the lead and creating regulations and positive action steps. Although adaptation is important, the most important step is to decrease emissions and mitigate effects as much as possible first. In a world that is changing so quickly and drastically, infrastructure must be designed and built to meet current and future conditions. As grasped from the technical portion, instead of implementing technologies, reverting to natural state does an equal or greater amount of good. The first step, whether in green infrastructure or carbon capture and sequestration technologies, is to mitigate or revert back to a natural state. If new infrastructure is going in, it must be designed for future conditions and be effective and equal.

Mg-Al mixed metal oxides (MMOs), derived from the decomposition of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), have been purposed as adsorbents for CO2 capture of industrial plant emissions. To aid in the design and optimization of these materials for CO2 capture at 200 degrees C, we have used a combination of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) and density functional theory (DFT) to characterize the CO2 gas sorption products and determine the various sorption sites in Mg-Al MMOs. A comparison of the DFT cluster calculations with the observed C-13 chemical shifts of the chemisorbed products indicates that mono- and bidentate carbonates are formed at the Mg-O sites with adjacent Al substitution of an Mg atom, while the bicarbonates are formed at Mg-OH sites without adjacent Al substitution. Quantitative C-13 NMR shows an increase in the relative amount of strongly basic sites, where the monodentate carbonate product is formed, with increasing Al/Mg molar ratios in the MMOs. This detailed understanding of the various basic Mg-O sites presented in MMOs and the formation of the carbonate, bidentate carbonate, and bicarbonate chemisorbed species yields new insights into the mechanism of CO2 adsorption at 200 degrees C, which can further aid in the design and capture capacity optimization of the materials.

Rising carbon emissions, in the form of CO2, are accelerating global warming, posing an existential threat to life on Earth. The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) calls for 100% carbon-emission-free electricity generation in the Commonwealth by 2045. The VCEA specifically calls for eliminating electricity emissions by replacing conventional power plants with renewable sources. However, Virginia’s electricity sector only accounts for 35% of the state’s carbon emissions. The IPCC recommended 1.5 degrees Celsius warming ceiling requires deployment of all available CO2-abatement methods. Therefore, this thesis presents carbon capture technologies as one of the potential approaches to reducing or eliminating (1) interim electricity sector emissions until power facilities are replaced by renewables, and (2) the remaining 65% of Virginia’s carbon emissions. This thesis reviews literature from scientific, economic, government, intergovernmental, and NGO sources. The review covers both established and emerging technologies that can harness Virginia’s geographic, geologic, economic, and policy settings for significant and rapid reductions in the state’s CO2 emissions. Here I present findings of Virginia’s opportune suitability for implementing carbon capture through the following six approaches: Post-combustion carbon capture can be applied to Virginia’s 98 existing power facilities. Pre-combustion carbon capture and the Allam Fetvedt are applicable for reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from new electricity-generating facilities. Enhanced oil recovery is already widely in use throughout the United States and can be expanded into Virginia for carbon sequestration at existing oil and gas wells, particularly in the western part of the state. Virginia’s participation in the emerging carbon utilization market may accelerate carbon capture in Virginia while also supporting the overall market’s growth. Finally, forming cooperative carbon sequestration hubs with regional carbon emitters can expand opportunities for reduced-cost sequestration in Virginia using shared pipeline infrastructure. In summary, this thesis contributes to synthesizing the current state of development and deployment of carbon capture technology at the global, national, and Virginia state level. Additionally, I highlight potential paths to carbon neutrality in Virginia through layered applications of carbon capture technologies and regulatory financial incentives. Lastly, I posit how layering carbon capture technology networks may further fuel a circular carbon economy toward energy independence.

Cement industry is estimated to account for ~6–7% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions globally. Therefore, the identification of innovative solutions for their mitigation is both a priority and a challenge. The integration of carbon capture and storage technologies into the industrial production process is considered among the most viable solutions for this purpose, and calcium looping (CaL) represents one of the most promising. A key research challenge points to maximize process efficiencies and minimize production cost to decouple cement production from carbon emissions. The carbon capture process proposed in this work is a looping system where CO2 is absorbed by calcium oxide (CaO) in the first reactor (carbonator) and the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) produced is regenerated in an oxy-fired calciner. During calcination, CO2 is released from the sorbents, purified, compressed, and then made available for geological storage. In this study, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to two cement production systems with CaL carbon capture are evaluated: the tail-end CaL carbon capture and the integrated CaL carbon capture. The carbon footprint is complemented with the assessment of the resources depletion mineral and elements and the demand of primary energy. An eco-design approach was pursued by carrying out a life cycle assessment to identify the environmental hotspots and which CaL integration approach presents a higher potential for cement industry decarbonization. The results of the analysis were compared with a conventional cement production process. The results show that the GHG emissions may be reduced by 74% with a tail-end approach and 71% when the CaL is fully integrated into the cement production process. When a future perspective, with higher penetration of renewable energy resources into the electricity sector, was modeled, the results showed that CaL integrated into the clinker production process is more promising in terms of reduction of the carbon footprint, rather than the tail-end solutions. Primary energy consumption from non-renewables is substantially impacted by CaL, with the integrated CaL configuration showing to be a more efficient solution because of less primary energy consumption (coal).

Aiming at extending the tagged zinc bipyrazolate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) family, the ligand 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-bipyrazole (3,3'-H2 L) has been synthesized in good yield. The reaction with zinc(II) acetate hydrate led to the related MOF Zn(3,3'-L). The compound is isostructural with its mono(amino) analogue Zn(BPZNH2 ) and with Zn(3,5-L), its isomeric parent built with 3,5-diamino-4,4'-bipyrazole. The textural analysis has unveiled its micro-/mesoporous nature, with a BET area of 463 m2 g-1 . Its CO2 adsorption capacity (17.4 wt. % CO2 at pCO2 = 1 bar and T = 298 K) and isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst = 24.8 kJ mol-1 ) are comparable to that of Zn(3,5-L). Both Zn(3,3'-L) and Zn(3,5-L) have been tested as heterogeneous catalysts in the reaction of CO2 with the epoxides epichlorohydrin and epibromohydrin to give the corresponding cyclic carbonates at T = 393 K and pCO2 = 5 bar under solvent- and co-catalyst-free conditions. In general, the conversions recorded are higher than those found for Zn(BPZNH2 ), proving that the insertion of an extra amino tag in the pores is beneficial for the epoxidation catalysis. The best catalytic match has been observed for the Zn(3,5-L)/epichlorohydrin couple, with 64 % conversion and a TOF of 5.3 mmol(carbonate) (mmolZn )-1 h-1 . To gain better insights on the MOF-epoxide interaction, the crystal structure of the [epibromohydrin@Zn(3,3'-L)] adduct has been solved, confirming the existence of Br⋅⋅⋅(H)-N non-bonding interactions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first structural determination of a [epibromohydrin@MOF] adduct.

Uncertainty is inherent in modelled projections of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), yet sometimes treated peripherally. One source of uncertainty comes from different climate and soil inputs. We investigated variations in 70‐year UK projections of Miscanthus × giganteus (M × g), BECCS and environmental impacts with input data. We used cohort datasets of UKCP18 RCP8.5 climate projections and Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD) soil sequences, as inputs to the MiscanFor bioenergy model. Low annual yield occurred 1 in 10 years as a UK‐average but yield uncertainty varied regionally, especially south and east England. BECCS projections were similar among cohorts, with variation resulting from climate cohorts of the same database ensemble (3.99 ± 0.14 t C ha−1 year−1) larger than uncertainty resulting from soil sequences in each grid block (3.96 ± 0.03 t C ha−1 year−1). This is supported by annual time series, displaying variable annual climate and a close yield–BECCS–climate relationship but partial correspondence of yield and BECCS with maximal soil variability. Each HWSD soil grid square contains up to 10 ranked soil types. Predominant soil commonly has over 50% coverage, indicating why BECCS from combined soil sequences were not significantly different from BECCS using the dominant soil type. Mean BECCS from the full climate ensemble combined with the full soil sequences, over the current area of cropping limits in England and Wales, is 3.98 ± 0.14 t C ha−1 year−1. The bioenergy crop has a mean seasonal soil water deficit of 65.79 ± 4.27 mm and associated soil carbon gain of 0.22 ± 0.03 t C ha−1 year−1, with bioenergy feedstock calculated at 131 GJ t−1 y−1. The uncertainty is specific to the input datasets and model used. The message of this study is to ensure that uncertainty is accounted for when interpreting modelled projections of land use impacts.

To find suitable absorbents for ship-based carbon capture, the absorption and desorption properties of four mixed aqueous amines based on BZA were investigated, and the results indicated that BZA-AEP had the best absorption and desorption performance. Then, the absorption and desorption properties of different mole ratios of BZA-AEP were tested. The results showed that the average CO2 absorption rate had the highest value at the mole ratio of BZA to AEP of three. The average CO2 desorption rate had the maximum value at the mole ratio of BZA to AEP of one. Three fitted models of the absorption and desorption performance of BZA-AEP based on the test data were obtained. The p-values of all three models were less than 0.0001. Considering the performance and material cost, the BZA-AEP mole ratio of 1.5 is more appropriate for ship carbon capture. Compared with MEA, the average CO2 absorption rate increased by 48%, the CO2 desorption capacity increased by 120%, and the average CO2 desorption rate increased by 161%.

In order to further enhance the utilization rate of renewable energy and achieve the goal of carbon emission reduction, this paper establishes a stable and clean energy supply mode of charging system and constructs a three-stage optimization and benefit distribution model. Firstly, the charging system structure is built with employing photovoltaic generator and carbon capture thermal power generator. Secondly, the charging load uncertainty is modeled by using Markov Chain where the differences of speeds of vehicles are considered. Thirdly, a deterministic charging optimization model is constructed in the first stage, with the objectives of economy, environment, energy utilization and load fluctuation; and then, in the second stage, the uncertainty of photovoltaic power generation is considered to formulate two types of information gap decision theory-based models. Finally, a double factor-involved benefit allocation model for the proposed charging system is constructed in the third stage, based on the Shapley method. The case study shows that: (1) the forecast error of charging load is smaller by considering quantity transfer and speed differences; (2) carbon capture and storage system reduces CO2 emission by 85.08 % and system's cost by 2.60 %; (3) Tripartite cooperation maximizes the system's benefits, and IGDT provides multiple strategies for dealing with PV uncertainty; (5) benefit allocation considering economy and environment is more rational and highlights the contribution of carbon capture system.

Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Effective decarbonisation is key to ensuring the temperature rise does not exceed the 2 °C set by the Paris accords. Adsorption is identified as a key technology for post-combustion carbon capture. This rise in prominence of such processes is owed to the fact that application of solid sorbents does not lead to the generation of secondary waste streams. In fact, sorbents can be produced from waste material (e.g. bio-based sorbents). Bio-based sorbents have become an increasingly attractive option; food waste, agricultural and municipal sources can be employed as precursors. These sorbents can be physically and chemically activated and then further modified to produce sorbents that can capture CO2 effectively. The employment of these types of sorbents, however, often entails geological and operational challenges. Understanding how these sorbents can be deployed at scale and the geological challenges associated with bio-based sorbents are key research areas that must be further investigated. Process modelling and machine learning can provide insights into these challenges especially within optimization of adsorption processes and sorbent development. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of the synthesis of bio-based sorbents and their application within post-combustion carbon capture processes as well as the recent trends of utilizing machine learning for the development of these sorbents, and the design of the corresponding adsorption processes alike. UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under the project titled “Multiphysics and Multiscale Modelling for Safe and Feasible CO2 Capture and Storage - EP/T033940/1″; UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre (EP/W002841/1) through the flexible funded research programme “Investigation of Environmental and Operational Challenges of Adsorbents Synthesised from Industrial Grade Biomass Combustion Residues”.

Carbon dioxide storage is one of the main long-term strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. A clear example is Norway's Longship project. If these projects should succeed, the transport of huge volumes of carbon dioxide from the emissions source to the injection points may become a complex challenge. In this work, we propose the production of sodium-based organic carbonates that could be transported to storage sites and be reconverted to CO2. Solid carbonates can be transported in considerably lower volumes than gases or pressurized liquids. Sodium-based carbonates are insoluble in most of the organic solvents and will therefore precipitate in contrast to in aqueous solutions. Particularly, here we focus on sodium hydroxide-ethanol mixtures as solvents for precipitating sodium ethyl carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Previous works on this approach used limited sodium hydroxide concentrations, which are insufficient to prove the effectiveness of the proposed process. In this paper, we studied higher sodium hydroxide concentrations in sodium hydroxide-ethanol mixtures than previously reported in the literature. To this end, we use the following strategy: (1) In-line monitoring of the formation of carbonates using an in-line FTIR; (2) In-line measurements of the weight increase, which correspond directly to the captured carbon dioxide and reveal the absorption capacity; (3) Characterization of the solids with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Our FTIR results confirmed that both sodium ethyl carbonate and sodium bicarbonate were formed, which agrees with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. With this reactor design, the absorption capacities reached approximately 80–93% of the theoretical values (4.8–13.3 g/L respectively). We hypothesize that full conversion is hampered because the gas might take preferential paths due to gel formation during the experiments.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) refers to technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources such as power plants, industrial facilities, and transportation, and either store it underground or use it for beneficial purposes. CCUS can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, as CO2 is a major contributor to global warming. In the Baltic Sea region countries (BSR), patent searches from 2000 to 2020 reveal that CCUS technologies are focused on CO2 storage, monitoring, utilization, and transport. However, the adoption and deployment of these technologies has been slow due to a variety of factors, including a lack of government action on climate change, public skepticism, increasing costs, and advances in other options such as renewables and shale gas. Overall, CCUS has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, but more work is needed to overcome the barriers to its widespread adoption in the BSR and elsewhere. This could include policy measures to incentivize the use of CCUS technologies, public education and outreach efforts to increase understanding and support for CCUS, and research and development to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these technologies.

In this work, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology is used to examine the implications of CO2 capture from a natural gas combined cycle power plant with post-combustion carbon capture (NGCC-CCS) in Iraq, taking into account two different design scenarios. In the first scenario (retrofit), the carbon capture unit is considered as an end pipe technology that can be linked to an existing power plant. The second scenario considers a grassroots design, in which a new power plant equipped with a carbon capture unit needs to be constructed. The LCA is carried out based on different impact assessment (LCIA) methodologies of ReCipe 2016 Midpoint (H), TRACI 2.1, and IMPACT 2002+ to investigate whether the chosen LCIA method influences the LCA scenario analysis for decision support in process development. The results of three impact categories applied to both scenarios reveal a 28% reduction in Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) and a 14% and 17% increase in the Particulate Matter Formation Potential (PMFP) and Acidification (AP) potential in the grassroots scenario, respectively. Finally, an uncertainty analysis is performed to more accurately reflect the influence of uncertain factors on the statistical significance of the environmental impact evaluation in this research, indicating that these uncertainties may significantly affect the ultimate decision.

Several metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were already obtained by mixing NaOH solution with chloride solution of the corresponding metal to form metal hydroxide or oxide precipitates and wash—dry—calcine the latter. However, the complete list of metal oxide NPs is missing with which this technology works well. The aim of this study was to fill this knowledge gap and to provide a full list of possible metals for which this technology probably works well. Our methodology was chemical thermodynamics, analyzing solubilities of metal chlorides, metal oxides and metal hydroxides in water and also standard molar Gibbs energy changes accompanying the following: (i) the reaction between metal chlorides and NaOH; (ii) the dissociation reaction of metal hydroxides into metal oxide and water vapor and (iii) the reaction between metal oxides and gaseous carbon dioxide to form metal carbonates. The major result of this paper is that the following metal-oxide NPs can be produced by the above technology from the corresponding metal chlorides: Al2O3, BeO, CaO, CdO, CoO, CuO, FeO, Fe2O3, In2O3, La2O3, MgO, MnO, Nd2O3, NiO, Pr2O3, Sb2O3, Sm2O3, SnO, Y2O3 and ZnO. From the analysis of the literature, the following nine nano-oxides have been already obtained experimentally with this technology: CaO, CdO, Co3O4, CuO, Fe2O3, NiO, MgO, SnO2 and ZnO (note: Co3O4 and SnO2 were obtained under oxidizing conditions during calcination in air). Thus, it is predicted here that the following nano-oxides can be potentially synthesized with this technology in the future: Al2O3, BeO, In2O3, La2O3, MnO, Nd2O3, Pr2O3, Sb2O3, Sm2O3 and Y2O3. The secondary result is that among the above 20 nano-oxides, the following five nano-oxides are able to capture carbon dioxide from air at least down to 42 ppm residual CO2-content, i.e., decreasing the current level of 420 ppm of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere at least tenfold: CaO, MnO, MgO, CdO, CoO. The tertiary result is that by mixing the AuCl3 solution with NaOH solution, Au nano-particles will precipitate without forming Au-oxide NPs. The results are significant for the synthesis of metal nano-oxide particles and for capturing carbon dioxide from air.

Efforts to improve air quality and concerns about global warming make transportation mediums that do not produce emissions more attractive to end users. Meanwhile, some of these transportation mediums are powered by an electricity grid that generates a great deal of emissions. This study compared the greenhouse gas GHG emissions for both electric and fossil-powered vehicles using estimates of tailpipe emissions of fossil-powered vehicles and the indirect emissions from the electricity grid. Furthermore, a system dynamic model was developed for a more holistic review of the GHG emissions for both electric and fossil-powered vehicles. The result indicated that in terms of associated emissions from the grid, electric-powered vehicles are not always better than fossil-powered vehicles when the electricity is not from a renewable source. The GHG emissions for electric-powered vehicles are dependent on both the electricity usage rate of the vehicle and the GHG emissions that are associated with the production of that amount of electricity. Further opportunities exist in renewable and clean energy technologies for various operations. Based on reports from previous works, this report also presented potential strategies to achieve a significant reduction in GHG emissions for both the electricity grid and fossil fuel refining processes.

Energy Intensive Industries (EII) are high users of energy and some of these facilities are extremely dependent on Natural Gas for processing heat production. In European countries, where Natural Gas is mostly imported from external producers, the increase in international Natural Gas prices is making it difficult for some industries to deliver the required financial results. Therefore, they are facing complex challenges that could cause their delocalization in regions with lower energy costs. European countries lack on-site Natural Gas resources and the plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector make it necessary to find an alternative. Many different processes cannot be electrified, and in these cases, synthetic methane is one of the solutions and also represents an opportunity to reduce external energy supply dependency. This study analyzes the current development of power-to-gas technological solutions that could be implemented in large industrial consumers to produce Synthetic Methane using Green Hydrogen as a raw source and using Renewable Energy electricity mainly produced with photovoltaic or wind energy. The study also reviews the triple bottom line impact and the current development status and associated costs for each key component of a power-to-gas plant and the requirements to be fulfilled in the coming years to develop a cost-competitive solution available for commercial use.

Climate change mitigation potentials of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) closely depend on the energy and chemicals used to capture the chemically inert CO2. The potential environmental benefits of CCU are typically assessed using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Although LCA is a standardized method, modelling CO2 as a carbon feedstock instead of an emission introduces an ambiguous “multifunctionality issue”. Inconsistent multifunctionality practices have been applied to deal with this methodological complexity in LCAs of CCU technologies. Using one method instead of another can lead to highly positive or negative carbon footprints for the same carbon source and CO2 capture process. A comprehensive guideline to clarify the best practices to conduct LCAs of CCU technologies was published in 2020 (and updated in March 2022) in a collaborative process involving over 40 experts. In this guideline and linked scientific articles from experts involved in its development, a so-called “substitution method” is recommended to avoid suboptimal choices of CO2 sources, improve comparability and harmonize decision-making. This article critically reviews the methodological formulation of the recommended method and suggests corrections to possible inaccuracies in a future update of the guideline. Furthermore, various illustrative examples of common CO2 feedstocks were used to illustrate the meaning of adopting such a method in practice. Economic-based benchmarking of the environmental impacts of CO2 feedstocks calculated with such a method was also broadly illustrated., Science of The Total Environment, 854, ISSN:0048-9697, ISSN:1879-1026