The impact of Direct Air Capture during the last two decades: A bibliometric analysis of the scientific research, part I

Abstract

The controversy about meeting the expected capture demands from carbon dioxide removals such as Direct Air Capture (DAC) are debatable. In the past, the vast investment in renewable technology is allowing today's rapid deployment. Why is this not currently happening in the CO₂ capture area? This bibliometric analysis which focused on the use of solid sorbents in the CO₂ capture field between 2001 and 2021, aims to answer these questions. The study reviewed three capture methods: post-combustion, pre-combustion and DAC, with particular emphasis on the latter. To understand the evolution of DAC, this novel approach highlights which authors and countries have been investigating the use of solid sorbents. The outcomes of this research showed that, during the first decade, there was a minor interest in funding and investigating solid sorbents for DAC solutions. It was only at the end of the second period when the use of these materials in the topic emerged to the surface. Acting as an example, the United States, China and the United Kingdom spent more financial help to investigate the use of sorbents. However, all of today's CO₂ capture plants are working for enhanced oil recovery. In the Republic of Ireland, there are a few articles exploring the use of these materials to uptake CO₂. It is possible that certain articles were not considered by the software. Upcoming analysis will answer this question and include all the existing materials in the wide spectrum of solid sorbents at the CO₂ capture field.