Absorbing carbon dioxide from the air: TUD scientist Hans Kleemann takes part in the Transfer Academy of the Joachim Herz Foundation

Dr. Hans Kleemann and his team from the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) at TUD Dresden University of Technology) will be part of the "innovate! Academy" of the Joachim Herz Foundation. The scientists will receive EUR 250,000 for the project duration of two years to transfer the method developed at the institute for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air using biological waste products into application.

CO₂emissions produced by humans and the resulting consequences pose existential challenges for all of humanity. Although there are clear reduction targets for CO₂emissions, without directly removing CO₂ from the air and storing it, these climate targets are hardly achievable. This is where the development of the aptly named Direct Air Capture (DAC) methods come in, which remove carbon dioxide directly from the air. Previously used methods often used toxic chemicals to achieve this goal. Capturing the greenhouse gas also requires a great deal of energy (often temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius). As a result, these methods are neither economically nor ecologically viable.

The team at the IAP of TU Dresden has developed a technology in which thin membrane layers made from biological waste products are used to efficiently absorb CO₂ - but it is also released again in a concentrated form. This technology uses a special phase transition within the organic substance, which takes place in a very small temperature window under the influence of CO₂. By utilizing this temperature difference (between 20 and 40 degrees), the researchers are able to extract CO₂ directly from the air and store it.

"TU Dresden is making an important contribution to tackling global challenges in many fields of research by working on issues that will shape our future. We congratulate Hans Kleemann and his team for continuing to develop their research approach with the support of the Joachim Herz Foundation and for receiving impulses for the transfer of this technology," said Prof. Angela Rösen-Wolff, Vice-Rector Research at TUD.

The "innovate! Academy" of the Joachim Herz Foundation enables his team to construct a functioning prototype for a DAC system and to gain important experience with regard to process control and scaling. At the same time, the "innovate! Academy" will support Dr. Hans Kleemann's team in bolstering the scientific and technological perspective from an economic consideration. The project also seeks to make the technology commercially viable.

"I am delighted that we were able to take part in the 'innovate! Academy’ with our project. We can expect exciting technological developments coupled with a focus on technology transfer to industry. I'm really hoping for a stimulating but also mutually challenging atmosphere that will inspire us," says Hans Kleemann.

About Dr. Hans Kleemann

Hans Kleemann heads the Institute of Applied Physics and the Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials at the TUD group Organic Devices and Systems. In close cooperation with his team, he is investigating how electronic systems can be designed sustainably. His work covers fundamental questions of physics and materials science, process engineering research, system integration and methods of neuromorphic computing. He recently received the Joachim Herz Prize for his work on sustainable circuit boards based on natural leaves and biotechnological processes.

About the Joachim Herz Foundation

The Joachim Herz Foundation was established in Hamburg in 2008. Its aim is to devise effective solutions to challenges such as climate protection, resource scarcity and the shortage of skilled workers. It is committed to ensuring that as many innovations as possible from cutting-edge research are put into practice and strives to strengthen entrepreneurial talents who develop innovative business models. It promotes future skills and digital transformation in order to provide new impetus for vocational training.

About the "innovate! Academy"

The "innovate! Academy” at the Joachim Herz Foundation offers excellent scientists the opportunity to put their research ideas into practice. Over a period of two years, the program combines financial support with a tailor-made range of seminars, promoting exchange across disciplinary boundaries. The aim is to support innovative and high-risk research projects at the interfaces between the natural sciences, materials science and engineering, which can generate tangible benefits for the economy and society.

Contact:

Dr. Hans Kleemann
Institute of Applied Physics
Integrated Center for Applied Physics und Photonic Materials
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Tel.: +49 351 463-43379
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