Carbon Dioxide Capture and Mitigation of Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Abstract

The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), particularly from the air. The CO 2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes, mineral sequestration, and solid and liquid sorbents. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO 2 via condensation on solid surfaces at low temperature.

1 . A method for extracting, capturing, or sequestering carbon dioxide from air, comprising:
 (a) exposing the air to a solid sorbent material comprising a large absorption surface so as to saturate the sorbent material with carbon dioxide;   (b) removing remnant air from the saturated sorbent material under reduced pressure;   (c) condensing the carbon dioxide onto a cold surface to capture the carbon dioxide in solid form; and   (d) releasing the captured carbon dioxide to a system for collection, storage, or transport.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent material comprises material moving along surfaces exposed to air. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the moving material is selected from beads, rods, fabric, or moveable objects comprising rough surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent material is inert. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent material is hydrophobic. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent material is selected from activated carbon, activated alumina, silicalites, or zeolites. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide sorbent is a material coated with one or more different sorbents. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (b) is performed in a first vacuum chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (c) is performed in a second vacuum chamber comprising a temperature colder than that of the first chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cold surface of step (c) comprises a cold trap suitable for dry ice formation. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein solid carbon dioxide generated in step (c) is held in a confined volume and warmed so as to become a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein captured carbon dioxide sublimates in a containment vessel. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the carbon dioxide is released under high pressure for storage, collection, or transport.