Recent advances in sorbent materials for direct air capture of CO2

Direct air capture (DAC) has emerged as a scalable strategy for atmospheric CO 2 removal, with material innovations being central to its advancement. This review explores recent developments in DAC materials, including solid sorbents and liquid solutions, with a focus on their design, performance, and scalability. Key properties such as CO 2 sorption capacity, kinetics, and stability under diverse conditions are critically analyzed. Emerging materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), amine-functionalized adsorbents, and advanced polymeric materials, are examined for their potential to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Challenges related to material synthesis, regeneration, and long-term durability are discussed alongside strategies for integrating these materials into scalable DAC systems. While previous reviews have addressed DAC scrubbers, a systematic yet comprehensive classification was lacking. This review fills that gap by categorizing DAC materials into a structured quadrant and compiling both foundational studies and recent advancements into detailed tables, providing a clear and organized overview of the field's progression. By synthesizing breakthroughs and identifying future directions, this review underscores the need for innovative materials to drive down costs, improve performance, and facilitate large-scale deployment of DAC in climate mitigation efforts.