Polymers in direct air capture: a mini review

The urgent need to mitigate climate change has intensified interest in direct air capture (DAC) technology, which targets extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. Among the various sorbents used in DAC, polymers have emerged as a promising solution, either as active sorbents or as structural supports for active DAC materials, due to their customizable properties, scalability and low cost. This mini-review investigates the latest trends in polymer-based materials for DAC and identifies critical research gaps, such as the need for thorough lifecycle assessments and in-depth studies on the degradation of polymeric materials. It also outlines future directions, emphasizing the importance of developing cost-effective, scalable and durable polymers that can perform efficiently across diverse climatic conditions, including the unique challenges presented by cold weather regions abundant in renewable energy. This mini-review aims to inform ongoing efforts in the design and utilization of polymeric sorbents, providing insights that could guide the development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable DAC technologies.. Authors: Behbahani, Hoda Shokrollahzadeh [University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (United States)] (ORCID:0009000709453558); Green, Matthew D. [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000155183412). DOE Contract: SC0022238; SC0023343. Subjects: climate change; direct air capture; polymers; sustainability