Mihri Ozkan, a UCR professor of electrical and computer engineering, argues that a technology known as electrochemical direct air capture, or EDAC, represents a groundbreaking approach to combating climate change because of its efficient capture of CO2 from the atmosphere.
While traditional methods used to extract CO2 from the atmosphere primarily depend on thermal energy, EDAC is much more energy efficient as it leverages electricity.
“This cutting-edge method represents a significant departure from traditional Direct Air Capture (DAC) techniques,” Ozkan said. “It achieves substantial energy savings by eliminating the requirements for thermal sorbent regeneration and gas pressurization. Furthermore, this approach markedly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, setting a new standard in environmentally conscious technology.”
Ozkan's perspective on the technology was featured today in an online Voices segment of CHEM, a scientific journal focusing on chemistry and interconnected fields.
In her segment, Ozkan emphasized the harmonious integration of EDAC technology with intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. She wrote that EDAC is “poised to play a pivotal role in global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and combat climate change.”
The article discusses various innovative projects and companies pioneering EDAC technology, highlighting its advantages, such as energy efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with renewable energy. It also covers insights from industry and academic experts on the future trajectory of these technologies.
The feature marks the second instance within two months that Ozkan's professional insights have been showcased in CHEM's Voices segment. In November, she wrote about a comprehensive analysis regarding the advancement and implementation of DAC technology across the United States.
Ozkan has been with UCR for over 20 years, joining in 2001. Throughout her career, she has devoted herself to developing sustainable green technologies and addressing climate change and environmental challenges. Her significant contributions in this field were recognized in 2015 when she was named the Climate Action