This spring, research is progressing swiftly across the country, the Midwest, and here at Northwestern University to tackle the escalating levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Were you aware that carbon dioxide levels today surpass any point in human history? Together, we're taking proactive steps to disrupt this concerning trend and devise solutions aimed at reducing the presence of this greenhouse gas in our atmosphere. Our aim is to construct a more sustainable future.
Within my research group, our focus lies in the exploration and advancement of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous, programmable nano-sized sponges utilized for carbon removal from the air and various other applications. We are harnessing our expertise in MOFs across multiple initiatives, notably the Midwest Nuclear Direct Air Capture (MINDAC) hub, funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and headquartered at Northwestern University. Spearheaded by my colleague Jennifer Dunn, the Principal Investigators include Ted Sargent and Brad Sageman, with guidance from Mar Reguant and Ke Xie.
MINDAC kicked off earnestly this May to evaluate the feasibility of employing a zero-emission nuclear fleet for carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. A consortium of collaborating organizations is partnering with us to carry out this feasibility testing and engineering. As part of the Regional DAC Hubs, funded by the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, MINDAC is anticipated to facilitate the capture of 1 million metric tonnes of CO2 annually from the atmosphere, dwarfing the capabilities of existing DAC facilities by 250 times. Additionally, with other DOE funding, my research group delves into the chemical and structural transformations occurring within MOFs during the capture and release cycle.
Upon capturing carbon dioxide, it's imperative to store it for the long term or devise methods for its reuse. In many instances, captured carbon dioxide can be converted into valuable products such as building materials, fuels, plastics, or other chemicals. Just this month, my team published our findings in the journal Science, detailing our discovery of a new catalyst capable of transforming carbon dioxide into a versatile building block for various useful chemicals. Remarkably, this catalyst is derived from an abundant metal and table sugar. The allure of this discovery lies partly in its scalability. This technology could complement MOF technology to establish a tandem system in the near future.
Embracing the spirit of exploration, I'm thrilled to present this month’s eNewsletter, delving into these stories and more in greater detail. You'll find updates about my student, Minjung Kim, who recently earned the prestigious Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Additionally, we have insights from Medill student Tristan Bove, who spent the winter quarter as an embedded reporter with WWF in Sri Lanka, supported by funding from the Trienens Institute. Another feature reflects on the annual Sustainability Lecture Series hosted by my colleague Alessandro Rotta Loria.
This spring, I wish you a season abundant with progress, and I extend my gratitude for your support and interest in the critical initiatives originating from Northwestern.
Omar Farha
Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in Chemistry
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Faculty Affiliate, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy