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DOE OSTI · 2885866

Comprehensive structural characterization of charged polymers involved in moisture-driven direct air capture

Yogaganeshan, Gayathri [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000327837946)·Zhang, Rui [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000308405056)·Najaf Tomaraei, Golnaz·Fromme, Raimund [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000348351080)·Sharang, Sharang [Tescan USA Inc., Warrendale, PA (United States)]·Ford, Jamie [UPENN, Philadelphia, PA (United States)]·Yates, Douglas M. [UPENN, Philadelphia, PA (United States)]·Medel, Marlene Velazco [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000236916884)·Uher, Martin [Tescan Group a.s., Brno (Czech Republic)]·Zacks, Michele [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000342777689)·Flory, Justin [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000197869092)·Wade, Jennifer [NAU, Flagstaff, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000183727800)·Fromme, Petra [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000309534909)
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Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive structural characterization of commercially available alkaline anion-exchange polymers (Fumasep FAA-3 and IRA 900) used in moisture-driven direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide. Using X-ray diffraction, SAXS/WAXS, atomic force microscopy, FIB-SEM, and transmission electron microscopy, the authors identify nanoscale clustering, porosity, swelling behavior, and humidity-dependent structural changes that influence CO₂ adsorption and release. These findings establish structure–function relationships critical for designing more durable and energy-efficient DAC polymer materials.

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRYCO2 sorptionIRA 900anion exchange membranesatomic force microscopydirect air capturefumasep FAA-3moisture swing

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Yogaganeshan, Gayathri [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000327837946), Zhang, Rui [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000308405056), Najaf Tomaraei, Golnaz, Fromme, Raimund [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000348351080), Sharang, Sharang [Tescan USA Inc., Warrendale, PA (United States)], Ford, Jamie [UPENN, Philadelphia, PA (United States)], Yates, Douglas M. [UPENN, Philadelphia, PA (United States)], Medel, Marlene Velazco [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000236916884), Uher, Martin [Tescan Group a.s., Brno (Czech Republic)], Zacks, Michele [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000342777689), Flory, Justin [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000197869092), Wade, Jennifer [NAU, Flagstaff, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000183727800), Fromme, Petra [Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (United States)] (ORCID:0000000309534909). 2026-02-21. Comprehensive structural characterization of charged polymers involved in moisture-driven direct air capture. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtchem.2026.103465

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE subject37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY subjectCO2 sorption subjectDirect Air Capture subjectatomic force microscopy subject

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