Capture of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere (CO2Gen)

SIEF supports capture of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere (CO2Gen)

The challenge

While there is an existing market for carbon dioxide (CO2), including the premium-priced product dry ice, current supply chains are characterised by limited CO2 sources, large and expensive fixed infrastructure, and long transport distances to end users, which entails significant product losses.

The response

The SIEF Experimental Development Program (EDP) supported research to develop a compact device that can capture CO2 directly from air and convert it to pure CO2 locally (a CO2 Generator). The device uses novel metal organic framework (MOF) materials as the core technology, offering industries which utilise pure carbon dioxide the benefit of CO2 extraction on demand and on location.

The collaboration

CSIRO led the development of the product prototypes; Monash University provided expertise regarding MOF technology; and Energy Infrastructure & Resources Pty Ltd provided engineering expertise to ensure the device was fit for industrial purposes.

CSIROs Airthena unit was developed with the support of SIEF (Source: CSIRO)

Projected impact

The outcomes of this project have the potential to disrupt the current CO2 market, with projected impacts including:

  • Delivering a more compact, less expensive, and locally-situated product (the CO2 Generator), thereby allowing disruptive supply opportunities, reducing product loss, and delivering better customer value.
  • Creating value for the Australian manufacturing industry by encouraging take-up of innovative manufacturing technologies, such as MOF materials.
  • Creating opportunities for entrepreneurial businesses to create jobs and improve export potential.
  • Bringing new downstream innovative technologies to market, with commercial opportunities attracting financial return to Australia.