What is the Solution?
Founded in 2022, Ucaneo is on a mission to eliminate 500 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2035, leveraging its state-of-the-art biomimetic Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. This cutting-edge approach, which draws inspiration from human respiration, integrates advancements in electrochemistry, material science, and (bio)catalysis. This convergence of natural processes and engineering excellence paves the way for a scalable and sustainable method of CO2 removal, positioning Ucaneo at the forefront of environmental technology.
Ucaneo's revolutionary DAC method marks a significant departure from traditional practices that operate like chemical sponges, requiring up to 900°C to process CO2 and resulting in high energy consumption and costs. In contrast, Ucaneo’s technique, reminiscent of a synergy between cooling towers and desalination plants, employs groundbreaking solvents and catalysts. It efficiently captures CO2 in the form of bicarbonates using a unique solvent in a specialized liquid-air contactor, then isolates it through an electrochemical cell. This innovative process not only produces concentrated CO2 gas for carbon-neutral applications or long-term underground storage but also releases purified air back into the atmosphere. By circumventing the need for high-temperature processing and creating a more modular and adaptable technology, Ucaneo significantly reduces energy requirements, making its solution a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative in the realm of carbon capture and storage.
