Direct Air Capture Using Pyrolysis and Gasification Chars: Key Findings and Future Research Needs

Wojciech Jerzak (), Bin Li, Dennys Correia da Silva and Glauber Cruz
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Wojciech Jerzak: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Bin Li: School of Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei 230036, China
Dennys Correia da Silva: Postgraduate in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59072-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Glauber Cruz: Thermochemical Processes and Systems Laboratory (LPSisTer), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Maranhão, Avenida dos Portugueses, 1966, São Luís 65080-805, Maranhão, Brazil

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-42

Abstract: Direct Air Capture (DAC) is gaining worldwide attention as a negative emissions strategy critical to meeting climate targets. Among emerging DAC materials, pyrolysis chars (PCs) and gasification chars (GCs) derived from biomass present a promising pathway due to their tunable porosity, surface chemistry, and low-cost feedstocks. This review critically examines the current state of research on the physicochemical properties of PCs and GCs relevant to CO 2 adsorption, including surface area, pore structure, surface functionality and aromaticity. Comparative analyses show that chemical activation, especially with KOH, can significantly improve CO 2 adsorption capacity, with some PCs achieving more than 308 mg/g (100 kPa CO 2 , 25 °C). Additionally, nitrogen and sulfur doping further improves the affinity for CO 2 through increased surface basicity. GCs, although inherently more porous, often require additional modification to achieve a similar adsorption capacity. Importantly, the long-term stability and regeneration potential of these chars remain underexplored, but are essential for practical DAC applications and economic viability. The paper identifies critical research gaps related to material design and techno-economic feasibility. Future directions emphasize the need for integrated multiscale research that bridges material science, process optimization, and real-world DAC deployment. A synthesis of findings and a research outlook are provided to support the advancement of carbon-negative technologies using thermochemically derived biomass chars.

Keywords: biomass-derived sorbents; biochar activation; carbon capture materials; CO 2 adsorption; surface functionality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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