Xu et al. (2026): A pathway to next-generation direct air capture using adsorbents
Yifei Xu, Qiyuan Li, Bingqiao Xie, Zixin Zhang et al., IN: Joule, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2026.102587
Direct air capture (DAC) provides a path to regulate the atmospheric COâ‚‚ concentration and mitigate global warming. However, the scaling of DAC technology faces significant challenges in energy consumption and capture costs. Limited engineering experience and a lack of comprehensive design guidelines lead to significant knowledge gaps among researchers, engineers, and policymakers. This review identifies four critical engineering bottlenecks, summarizes cutting-edge solutions, and envisions future scenarios with matured DAC. The importance of contactor design and heat management for reducing energy consumption is highlighted, together with the necessity of system integration for improving techno-economic viability. Overall, this review seeks promising solutions and advocates blooming ideas to enhance practicability and scalability of adsorption DAC.