Solar thermal energy-assisted direct capture of CO2 from ambient air for methanol synthesis

Abstract

Solar thermal energy-assisted direct air capture (DAC) is widely considered as a novel carbon-negative technical route, innovatively enabling an effective removal of CO2 directly from ambient air. Here, we introduce an advanced concept that involves the conversion of CO2 captured by the solar thermal energy-assisted DAC into liquid methanol, simultaneously mitigating climate change and supplying green chemicals. This concept revolves around a well-considered integration of existing systems, and we emphasize key technologies for capturing, separating, and utilizing CO2 in this integrated system. Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) based-DAC are reviewed, while the utilization of solar thermal energy further ensures the carbon-negative nature of DAC. Upcycling CO2 captured by DAC into value-added methanol adds both environmental benefits and economic feasibilities, which is also beneficial to achievinga circular carbon economy. The current status, ongoing developments, and anticipated future trends in this technology integration are timely addressed, the considerable application potential of integrated system is also comprehensively discussed.