Insurance can sometimes come in the form of equipment rather than just money.
Direct air capture is a technology that involves machines pulling carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. This technology gained significant attention following a report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2022, highlighting the essential role of DAC in achieving net zero carbon emissions.
While several companies are working on implementing direct air capture, there are numerous challenges to overcome. Startups in this sector need to find suitable storage solutions for captured CO2 and customers interested in purchasing this captured gas. Additionally, they must ensure that their devices are cost-effective to build and operate.
One company leading the way in this field is AirMyne, which has developed a proprietary liquid that addresses many of these challenges. Unlike other companies using liquids to absorb CO2, AirMyne’s liquid can release the gas using low-temperature heat ranging from 100-130 degrees C (212-266 degrees F).
Although this low-temperature approach may seem less efficient compared to high-temperature regeneration cycles, AirMyne’s COO Mark Cyffka believes it provides the company with scalability advantages during the pilot stage. The flexibility of using low-temperature heat sources like electricity, industrial waste heat, and geothermal heat allows for broader implementation possibilities.
AirMyne’s liquid contains quaternary ammonium compounds, as detailed in patents granted to the company. These compounds have gained attention as effective CO2 sorbents due to their availability, stability, and low heat requirements for CO2 release.
The AirMyne team. Image Credits: AirMyne
Incorporating geothermal energy into their process further sets AirMyne apart, offering scalability and potential for widespread adoption. Collaborating with Fervo, a geothermal startup, AirMyne is exploring applications in carbon capture alongside other industries like low-carbon cement production and textile manufacturing from CO2.
With plans to deploy their carbon capture technology at a sequestration site in San Joaquin County, California, AirMyne recently secured a $6.9 million seed funding round to support their initiatives.
While AirMyne’s technology shows promise for various industries, challenges like water usage and optimal site selection remain. Nevertheless, the company’s unique approach, particularly its compatibility with geothermal energy, positions it well in the expanding carbon capture market.
Investors backing AirMyne include Alumni Ventures, Another Brain, Liquid 2 Ventures, EMLES, and others, indicating strong support for the company’s innovative solutions in addressing climate challenges.
