Biomolecular Films for Direct Air Capture of CO2

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy-funded project aims to enhance direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 for algal biomass production, addressing CO2 delivery costs which represent about 20% of the final biomass selling price. The initiative integrates computational modeling and genetic engineering to develop biomolecular films for improved CO2 capture. A genome-scale metabolic model for Picochlorum renovo was established, and engineered strains achieved a highest aerial productivity of 116 gDW/m2/d in a revolving algal biofilm (RAB) system, with a CA-engineered strain producing 71 gDW/m2/d without CO2 supplementation. Technoeconomic analysis indicated that higher productivities lead to more favorable economics, with some scenarios showing negative Minimum Fuel Selling Prices (MFSPs), suggesting a 10% internal rate of return could be met without fuel revenues, and substantial treatment credits like $50/lb for phosphorous contribute to viability.

Key Facts

Source Document

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