# CBET-EPSRC- ecoDAC - Design and optimization of resource-efficient direct air capture systems

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TX) · $450,000

## Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) can be used to make useful products like fuels, plastics, and bioplastics. One way to obtain CO₂ is direct air capture (DAC), which removes carbon dioxide from air. The most common method, called solid sorbent direct air capture (S-DAC), uses special materials that trap CO₂ from air. Despite its potential, the technology is not widely used yet because its performance depends on weather conditions like temperature and humidity. This joint project between NSF (US) and EPSRC (UK) will improve this technology by creating digital models that help scientists and engineers design and operate S-DAC systems more efficiently while saving energy and lowering costs. It will also study how much land, energy, and water these systems need and how they might affect nearby ecosystems, which will help policymakers in the UK and the US make informed decisions about using this technology.

The findings of this project will establish a new standard for the design and analysis of solid-sorbent direct air capture (S-DAC) systems worldwide. By integrating process engineering principles with techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, experimental validation, and system-level integration, the project will identify cost-effective and environmentally efficient deployment pathways for S-DAC technologies. The program will commission an experimental testing unit to validate promising sorbent materials and determine optimal operating conditions under varying ambient environments.  It will develop optimized and robust S-DAC system designs through modelling and optimization, enabling comparison of sorbent performance and identification of configurations suitable for different regional climates.  It will evaluate system layouts that incorporate integrated energy and water management strategies, including quantification of heat recovery potential and associated costs.  It will derive eco-efficient solutions for regional-scale deployment using optimization frameworks that c

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2620668
- **Awardee organization:** Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** QD1MX6N5YTN4
- **PI:** Efstratios N Pistikopoulos
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** International Partnerships, UNITED KINGDOM
- **Estimated total:** $450,000
- **Funds obligated:** $450,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 05/01/2026 → 04/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2620668

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2620668, CBET-EPSRC- ecoDAC - Design and optimization of resource-efficient direct air capture systems. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-19 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2620668. Licensed CC0.

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