Direct Air Capture Algal Biofuel (DACA-Biofuels) system

AI Quick Summary

Not only is carbon dioxide (CO2) increasing in our atmosphere causing climate change, it diffuses into the ocean reducing the pH. These environmental catastrophes are not inevitable, however, current methods of capture, storage, and use are not sustainable and can even harm the environment.We have developed a capture and use process that is greener and sustainable called the Direct Air Capture Algae (DACA) system. A new method for direct air capture and use of carbon dioxide has been developed using novel membranes to enhance CO2 transfer to algal bioreactors. The method has been recently been published in a peer reviewed journal (Granata et al, Fermentation 2024, 10, 135. doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10030135) highlighting the technology and production of biodiesel and other added value products from algal biomass that permentantly removes CO2 from the atmosphere. This process is carbon negative, emitting less CO2 than sequestered from the atmosphere, and having a low energy signature of 0.55 kWh kg-1 CO2 compared to 2−4 kWh kg-1 CO2 for amide membranes. The goal is to have a demonstration project.Based on our research, direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide boosts algal yield 10 to 20 fold. Since our target species of algae produces over 40% of its weight as triglycerides, it is a simple, one step process to produce biodiesel. Additionally, by-products from this process can be used to produce carbon fiber sheets and a biodegradable bioplastic.Three work packages (WP) are proposed.WP1 to close the loop in the DAC process by recycling the two chemicals used to capture CO2 in a reactor, thereby creating a sustainable (circular) process at TRL5.WP2 to modify a 10 liter photobioreactor at TRL4 (Granata et al. 2019, doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0529-x), and upgrade it to a TRL5 in order to culture a novel algae using the captured CO2 to boost biomass yields. Cells would be harvested and triglycerides measured, extracted, and converted to biodiesel and a bioplastic. The biodiesel will be evaluated for chemical and physical characteristics, including its energy density.WP3 to conceptualize the scale-up of the system (to more than 200 liters) and the development of a business plan.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Direct Air Capture Algal Biofuel (DACA-Biofuels) system
• Date: 3/5/2024 1:28:43 PM
• Administrators:
  • Tim Granata

Project Idea Description

A new method for direct air capture and use of carbon dioxide has been developed using novel membranes to enhance CO₂ transfer to algal bioreactors. The method has been recently been published in a peer reviewed journal (Granata et al, Fermentation 2024, 10, 135. doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10030135) highlighting the technology and production of biodiesel and other added value products from algal biomass that permentantly removes CO₂ from the atmosphere. This process is carbon negative, emitting less CO₂ than sequestered from the atmosphere, and having a low energy signature of 0.55 kWh kg^-1 CO₂ compared to 2−4 kWh kg^-1 CO₂ for amide membranes. The goal is to have a demonstration project.

Based on our research, direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide boosts algal yield 10 to 20 fold. Since our target species of algae produces over 40% of its weight as triglycerides, it is a simple, one step process to produce biodiesel. Additionally, by-products from this process can be used to produce carbon fiber sheets and a biodegradable bioplastic.

Three work packages (WP) are proposed.

WP1 to close the loop in the DAC process by recycling the two chemicals used to capture CO₂ in a reactor, thereby creating a sustainable (circular) process at TRL5.

WP2 to modify a 10 liter photobioreactor at TRL4 (Granata et al. 2019, doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0529-x), and upgrade it to a TRL5 in order to culture a novel algae using the captured CO₂ to boost biomass yields. Cells would be harvested and triglycerides measured, extracted, and converted to biodiesel and a bioplastic. The biodiesel will be evaluated for chemical and physical characteristics, including its energy density.

WP3 to conceptualize the scale-up of the system (to more than 200 liters) and the development of a business plan.

Not only is carbon dioxide (CO₂) increasing in our atmosphere causing climate change, it diffuses into the ocean reducing the pH. These environmental catastrophes are not inevitable, however, current methods of capture, storage, and use are not sustainable and can even harm the environment.

We have developed a capture and use process that is greener and sustainable called the Direct Air Capture Algae (DACA) system.