Fraunhofer ISE offers cutting-edge research services in Direct Air Capture (DAC), developing efficient and scalable CO₂ capture processes. Our researchers focus on characterizing adsorption materials, refining process efficiency, and conducting techno-economic and life cycle assessments (LCA) of DAC technologies.
At the World Hydrogen 2025, Fraunhofer ISE exhibits a DAC demonstrator capable of capturing up to 0.2 kg of CO₂ per day using Temperature-Swing Adsorption (TSA) or Temperature-Vacuum-Swing Adsorption (TVSA). This technology ensures desorption of CO₂ with high purities and relies on mass-produced, robust materials, heaters, and fans, which enhance cost efficiency and scalability.
The system features zeolite for CO₂ capture and silica gel for H₂O adsorption, while also allowing the implementation of new solid materials such as amine-coated adsorbers, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), and Molecular Sieves (MOR). With short adsorption/desorption cycles and rapid heating times, the system is highly dynamic and can adapt to changing weather conditions or electricity prices within minutes.
Designed to be completely independent, it requires only electricity for venting, heating, and vacuuming, making it ideal for remote installations where no additional fluids, waste heat, or fuels are available. Additionally, it can provide water for electrolysis or biological ecosystems in dry regions, making it a versatile solution for sustainable energy and environmental applications. An automated test rig at ISE enables parallelized adsorption-desorption cycling with controlled air humidities for air flows of up to 120 kg per day, allowing for the capture of more than one kg of CO₂ daily.
Research and development services for:
- DAC project developers and investors
- Adsorbent and catalyst manufacturers
- Technology and process developers
- Industrial CO₂ utilizers and plant operators
- EPC companies
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
