How our Technology Works
CO2 ABSORPTION
Moving CO2 from the air into our system
Moving CO2 from the air into our system
The first step of our process engineers the movement of water and air to efficiently move CO2 into our system. We create a man-made waterfall with an amino acid added to the water. We continuously pass air through that waterfall to create an air-water interface where the CO2 “jumps” onto the amino acid. The CO2 is now bound within the water solution and can move on to the second step of our process.
SOLID FORMATION
Moving CO2 from a liquid into a solid
Moving CO2 from a liquid into a solid
The second step of our process concentrates CO2 from the water solution into a solid form. This transformation is driven by the mixing of the amino acid + CO2 solution with a second, water-based solution containing a guanidine. The guanidine “grabs” the CO2 from the amino acid, spontaneously forming a solid “crystal” mass. The CO2 is bound within the crystal, and can be separated cleanly from the liquid solution.
SOLID-LIQUID SEPARATION
Separating the CO2 from the liquid
Separating the CO2 from the liquid
The third step of our process separates the CO2-containing solids from the liquid solution. The solid-liquid mixture is sent into a separation step where the solids are removed from the liquid. The liquid mixture, which contains the original amino acid, is sent back to the first step of our process where the amino acids are reused. Separating the solids is critical to enabling ultra-efficient energy delivery in the final step of our process.
REGENERATION + STORAGE
Removing CO2 from the system to store
Removing CO2 from the system to store
In the final step of our process, we apply low-temperature heat from renewable sources to the solid, CO2-containing mass. This heat causes the CO2 to release from the solid, where it can be collected in purified, gaseous form. The pure CO2 is then sent to be sequestered permanently underground, where it first came from. Both chemicals – the amino acid and guanidine – are recycled back into the process to be reused again.