CO2 Capture Using the Concept of Biomimetics

[altenergygeek]

While a number of interesting efforts are ongoing in the carbon capture and storage domain, there are some really novel concepts in the works as well. One such I came across is the [url=http://powerplantccs.com/blog/2010/03/co2-capture-using-biomimetic-route-enzymatic-catalysts.html]use of biomimetics in CCS[/url].

The overall objective of the research is to develop a system resembling a CO2 scrubber that can be used to reduce CO2 emissions from, for example, fossil-fuel-burning power plants. In the system envisaged, an enzyme serves to catalyze the rate of CO2 hydration for subsequent fixation into stable mineral carbonates, the counterions for which may be supplied from such sources as brines from saline aquifers, waste brines from desalination operations, or seawater. The enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, is the biological catalyst responsible for the interconversion of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in living organisms. The resulting biomimetic sequestration system would offer several advantages, according to the paper.

What do you think? Do you feel that such distinct approaches are pretty much in the lab/research stages, or do you see these technologies coming into the market soon?