The publication highlights of this week relate to direct air capture, biochar, enhanced rock weathering and life cycle assessment for CDR.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Solar-Driven Direct Air Capture under Various Configurations
Abstract
The growing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has intensified climate change concerns, prompting the need for scalable and sustainable carbon removal technologies. Direct air capture (DAC) is a promising solution, yet it is hindered by high energy demands and fossil fuel dependency. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic and exergoeconomic analysis of solar-integrated DAC systems to assess their performance under four different configurations: DAC powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels alone, DAC with PV and parabolic trough collectors (PTC), DAC with PV and a single solar tower, and DAC with PV and a modular solar tower. The DAC process is simulated in Aspen Plus V11 using a hydroxide-carbonate absorption cycle. Among the evaluated scenarios, the DAC + PV + Single Tower system achieves the lowest levelized cost of DAC (LCOD) at 276.21 $/ton, representing a 6.7 % cost reduction compared to the PV-only configuration. Furthermore, this scenario demonstrates the highest exergoeconomic factor (19.53 %), highlighting superior cost-effectiveness and thermodynamic performance. While the PV + PTC configuration exhibits the highest exergy efficiency (6.77 %), its cost savings are marginal compared to tower-based systems. These findings underscore the potential of solar-assisted DAC systems, particularly tower-integrated configurations, as a viable and economically attractive solution for large-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal.
Hosseinifard, F. et al. (2025) Techno-Economic Evaluation of Solar-Driven Direct Air Capture under Various Configurations 343 (120233) Energy Conversion and Management.
Read the full paper here: Techno-Economic Evaluation of Solar-Driven Direct Air Capture under Various Configurations I Energy Conversion and Management.
Sustainability Analysis of Electrochemical Direct Air Capture Technologies
Abstract
Global warming caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental environmental impacts. Carbon capture from both point and dilute sources is amongst the critical technologies needed to mitigate these negative phenomena. Carbon dioxide capture from flue gas is a well-established technology, while carbon capture from the air through direct air capture processes remains under research and development. In recent years, attention has focused on fully electrified direct air capture systems as potential candidates for large-scale direct air capture applications capable of exploiting renewable energy sources. However, economic and environmental analyses are missing in the literature. In this work, a scale-up analysis of different electrified direct air capture technologies (based on electrolysis, bipolar membrane electrodialysis, electro-swing adsorption, and proton-coupled electron transfer systems) is conducted through a hybrid learning curve methodology in order to evaluate total costs and environmental impact (according to scopes 1 and 2). The analysis is conducted for different geographic locations, times of year, and types of renewable energy source. Results show that electro-swing adsorption and proton-coupled electron transfer processes are both characterized by lower costs and environmental burdens, while electrolysis and electrodialysis systems have higher costs and environmental impacts. A technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution analysis is carried out to determine the most sustainable process considering technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects. Results indicate that the proton coupled electron transfer system, built in China, in 2040–2050, exploiting wind offshore energy is the most sustainable process.
Leonzio, G. and Shah, N. (2025) Sustainability Analysis of Electrochemical Direct Air Capture Technologies 3 RSC Sustainability.
Read the full paper here: Sustainability Analysis of Electrochemical Direct Air Capture Technologies I Sustainability.
Biochar Integration in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy-Phenolic Systems for Enhanced Properties
Abstract
Although Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) are recognized for their remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, their overall performance is sometimes limited by the thermal and mechanical constraints of traditional epoxy resins. This study directly targets these deficiencies by developing a next-generation composite based on an advanced epoxy-phenolic resin matrix. This complicated matrix functions as the high-performance basis of our system, chosen expressly for its superior heat stability, chemical resistance, and toughness relative to conventional epoxies. Initiating with a more substantial matrix yields a more durable composite from the beginning. We are using wood-derived biochar as a sustainable, useful filler to enhance this system. This work examines the potent synergistic interactions among three essential components: the reinforcing carbon fibers, the durable epoxy-phenolic matrix, and the multifunctional biochar. Our study entails precisely regulated pyrolysis to generate superior biochar and a comprehensive examination of its effects on the composite’s interfacial dynamics and overall efficacy. This study seeks to illustrate how biochar, incorporated inside a meticulously chosen epoxy-phenolic matrix, may substitute industrial carbon black. The objective is to develop ecologically friendly, high-performance composites with improved mechanical properties and functions, aiding in the achievement of net-zero carbon emission goals.
Lin, B. et al. (2025) Biochar Integration in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy-Phenolic Systems for Enhanced Properties. Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.
Read the full paper here: Biochar Integration in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy-Phenolic Systems for Enhanced Properties I Journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.
Biased Selection and Incomplete Characterization of Feedstock Materials in Enhanced Rock Weathering Experiments
Abstract
Terrestrial Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) – the application of crushed rocks to soils to accelerate CO2 removal – has emerged as a promising climate mitigation strategy to complement emission reduction efforts. One of the key factors controlling the efficacy of ERW is the composition of the utilized rock powder, ultimately constraining the achievable CO2 removal potential and rate in a given environment. In this article, we highlight that experimental research on ERW is dominated by a narrow range of commercially available rock powders, arguably often selected more for convenience than for relevance. These materials are often poorly characterized, neglecting core methods and principles of petrography. In combination, these shortcomings are detrimental to our understanding of ERW’s potential and our ability to guide its successful implementation. We call for a systematic and detailed evaluation of all potential feedstocks, going beyond readily available products. In doing so, we hope to better constrain experimental results and inform on ERW’s overall CO2 removal capacity.
Moller, B. and Dupla, X. (2025) Biased Selection and Incomplete Characterization of Feedstock Materials in Enhanced Rock Weathering Experiments 195 (106630) Applied Geochemistry.
Read the full paper here: Biased Selection and Incomplete Characterization of Feedstock Materials in Enhanced Rock Weathering Experiments I Applied Geochemistry.
Life Cycle Assessment and System Integration of Carbon Dioxide Removal: Addressing Challenges in Environmental Evaluation and Model Representation
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is essential for achieving net-zero emissions, yet its large-scale deployment presents environmental, methodological, and policy challenges. This review identifies key methodological issues in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for CDR, including inconsistent system boundaries, functional unit variations, and limited treatment of permanence and co-benefits.
Recent Findings
This report highlights methodologies that can improve LCA for CDR such as consequential approaches that remain underutilized despite their value for assessing deployment effects. It recommends expanding LCA frameworks to reflect full supply-chain impacts, using consistent metrics such as permanent CO2 removed. It also addresses the integration of LCA with system modeling to account for regional resource constraints, infrastructure dependencies, and long-term storage risks. The review provides a comparative assessment of integrated assessment models while underlining key limitations due to their structural aspects.
Summary
Integrating LCA with system models is crucial for assessing the environmental performance and scalability of sustainable CDR. Standardization and alignment with regulatory frameworks, enhance transparency, comparability, and policy relevance.
Chlela, S. and Selosse, S. (2025) Life Cycle Assessment and System Integration of Carbon Dioxide Removal: Addressing Challenges in Environmental Evaluation and Model Representation 12 (21) Current Sustainable / Renewable Energy Reports.
Read the full paper here: Life Cycle Assessment and System Integration of Carbon Dioxide Removal: Addressing Challenges in Environmental Evaluation and Model Representation I Current Sustainable / Renewable Energy Reports.