Northwestern University Develops Low-Cost Carbon Capture Technology Using Humidity Shifts

The scalable approach employs sustainable materials to trap CO2, with plans underway for pilot studies to evaluate its global potential.

Researchers at Northwestern University have created a moisture-swing direct air capture (DAC) system that uses changes in humidity to trap and release CO2.
The system employs inexpensive, sustainable materials such as activated carbon, nanostructured graphite, and metal oxides to reduce costs and energy use.
An optimal pore size range of 50 to 150 angstroms was identified, maximizing carbon capture performance and swing capacity.
The technology could address emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors like agriculture, aviation, and steel manufacturing.
The team plans to test the materials at scale in pilot studies, evaluating life cycle impacts, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.