About the Talk 

We will examine the transformative potential of direct air capture (DAC) technology in the fight against climate change. DAC involves removing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, offering a promising solution to reduce the excessive CO₂ levels that drive global warming. The science behind DAC demonstrates how framework materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), are essential for efficiently capturing CO₂ from the air. These materials can be used in modular systems scalable to various needs, from small installations to large industrial setups. Additionally, we will discuss the current state of DAC technology, recent innovations, and the challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption. We will also explore the economic and environmental benefits of integrating DAC into existing industrial processes, such as using captured CO₂ to produce sustainable building materials or fuels. By the end of the discussion, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of DAC’s role in the global carbon management strategy and its contribution to achieving net-zero emissions. 

About the speaker:

Professor Zhao obtained his PhD degree in Inorganic Chemistry under the supervision of Professor Hong-Cai Joe Zhou at Texas A&M University in 2010. After finishing his postdoctoral training at Argonne National Laboratory, he joined the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at National University of Singapore in Jul 2012 as an Assistant Professor, and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in Jul 2018. He is currently an Executive Editor of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. His research interests include advanced porous materials and hybrid membranes with the applications in clean energy and environmental sustainability.