Description:
Market Opportunity
Escalating carbon footprints demand innovative solutions beyond traditional carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), which is costly and temporary. Potential lies in developing sustainable technologies that not only effectively reduce carbon emissions but also offer economic benefits, addressing challenges like leakage and geological disturbances associated with current CCS methods. Harnessing these untapped opportunities promises impactful strides towards mitigating climate change and global warming.
USC Solution
USC researchers have developed a novel method for recycling carbon-containing greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane. Captured emissions are stored underground or undersea, then later withdrawn and converted into compounds like methanol or dimethyl ether. This process not only reduces the carbon footprint of human activities by neutralizing emissions, but also provides a sustainable carbon source, enabling the continuous use of carbon-containing fuels without escalating atmospheric CO2 levels.
Value Proposition
- Provides a continuously renewable source of carbon
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Maximizes utility of captured greenhouse gases by converting them into valuable compounds such as methanol or dimethyl ether
Stage of Development
- Proof of concept demonstrated
- Available for licensing
Applications
- Renewable fuel production
- Carbon capture