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Operando synchrotron-FTIR spectroscopic study of electrochemical direct air carbon dioxide capture (2026)

Abstract

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 with green electrochemical method is a promising mitigation strategy. However, it faces challenges due to the ultradilute CO2 concentration and the high presence of O2. This project aims to selectively capture CO2 from air using carbon electrodes, and will address the challenges by answering three key questions: 1) How would electrodes capture CO2? 2) How would the O2 affect CO2 uptake? 3) How can we eliminate any side effects of O2. Operando synchrotron-FTIR microspectroscopy will reveal key intermediates in this capture process. Outcomes will guide the design of advanced electrode and system for DAC.

Experts

Dr Kaige Sun

Affiliate of Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Kaige Sun
Kaige Sun

Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa

ARC DECRA
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Mike Tebyetekerwa
Mike Tebyetekerwa

Professor Darren Martin

Affiliate of ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformati
ARC COE for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Professor
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Darren Martin
Darren Martin

Professor Xiwang Zhang

Centre Director of Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transf
ARC COE for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Centre Director of Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Endowed Chair in Sustainable Engineering and Director, Dow Centre
School of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Xiwang Zhang
Xiwang Zhang