Startup Launches National Prototype for Direct Air Capture of CO₂ from the Atmosphere

The startup CarbonAir Energy, a Coppe Business Incubator´s resident, has launched, in partnership with the Laboratory of Hydrocarbon Reactivity, Biomass, and Catalysis (LARHCO), an innovative module for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide (CO₂), entirely developed in Brazil. Launched on August 26, the equipment is capable of removing up to 5 kg of CO₂ per day, representing a significant step forward in solutions for a low-carbon economy.

According to CarbonAir’s co-founder Bianca Peres, the equipment´s purpose is to combat climate change and increase sustainability in the production of fuels and chemicals. The module uses sustainable adsorbent materials based on Brazilian biomass, developed in collaboration with LARHCO — part of UFRJ’s Institute of Chemistry (IQ) and School of Chemistry (EQ), coordinated by Professor Claudio Mota — contributing to the reduction of global greenhouse gas concentrations.

Professor Mota explains that the captured CO₂ will initially be used in the production of low-impact aviation fuel, combining atmospheric carbon with hydrogen produced via solar energy to generate hydrocarbons. New materials will also be tested in the module structured by CarbonAir.

Co-founder José Adolfo highlights that the equipment can capture over 1 ton of CO₂ per year, transforming it into valuable inputs for industry. Operating under real conditions validates the robustness of the technology and paves the way for its large-scale expansion.

The development of the adsorbent materials — part of a project focused on the production of low-impact aviation fuels — is funded by Finep and also received support from Faperj (through its energy project support programs) and CNPq (through the “Fuel of the Future” Program), coordinated by Professor Mota.

CarbonAir Energy is the first Brazilian startup dedicated to modular and customizable systems for CO₂ capture and conversion. It has already participated in competitive innovation programs such as Shell StartUp Engine, NAVE ANP, Startup Rio 2020, and Doutor Empreendedor, consolidating its technological trajectory and moving closer to the market.

This project is a clear example of how cutting-edge research developed in Coppe and UFRJ’s laboratories effectively reaches society, delivering concrete environmental solutions and driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.