Research on the Current Situation and Future Development Trends of Direct Air Capture Technology

Abstract

Global warming is getting worse over time, and it seems like world governments are still fairly reluctant to fully commit to a carbon neutrality plan. Vast amounts of research have been published demonstrating that CO2 emissions into the atmosphere greatly contributes to global warming, so much attention has been given toward ideas promising to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. One idea that has been proposed to help achieve carbon neutrality is Direct Air Capture technology (DAC). DAC has existed as a concept since 1999 and is currently still in development. This report examines the current state of DAC technology as well as the opportunities that the future could hold. It is found that current DAC technology is very inefficient and it is believed that further improvements are too slow to create a big difference in the near future. Energy input is expected to drop in the coming decades., but not by a significant number. Future DAC technology seems to hold potential, with costs seeming to point to a better direction than modern technology. It is evident that the proper way to move forward in the future is to look toward other avenues of research while continuing to develop DAC technology.