Optimization of Catalysts Used in Carbon Dioxide Capture After Enhanced Oil Recovery

Background Information: One highly-efficient method of enhance oil recovery (EOR) requires pushing large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) through porous rock containing oil reserves; resulting in over 30%-60% increased volume of oil extraction. Although other gases could be utilized, CO2 is the most natural medium because it is miscible with oil, inexpensive and abundant from site-specific underground sources. The method works by allowing CO2 to mix with oil, lowering its viscosity, and enabling easier entry into the wellsite. However, increasing scrutiny of CO2 emissions from environmental and government agencies has raised concerns about continuing this process of EOR, without appropriate carbon capture in place to mitigate the effects of produced greenhouse gases on global climate change. National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS) has been working in the area of cost-effective CO2 capture for nearly two decades. One of its most notable developments has been MemzymeTM an ultra-thin enzymatically active liquid membrane that allows for high flux with selective separation of CO2. This technology has already been successfully partnered for further commercial development. NTESS is now focused on improving the efficacy of currently used enzymatic reduction of CO2 through addition of carbonic anhydrase (CA). CA is well-known to catalyzes conversion of CO2 and water to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. By "redesigning" CA through molecular modeling and site-specific mutations, a newer form of CA will result in higher conversion efficiency. Studies of the redesigned CA will also include: 1) determination of maximum storage times, 2) activity in the presence of contaminants, and 3) optimal industrial operating temperatures. Partial funding for this work will be provided, through the Department of Energy's Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF), upon the identification and selection of a commercial partner meeting, or exceeding, the requirements listed below. NTESS may consider providing supplemental contribution of funding. Technology Highlights: •Increased Efficiency of Enzymatic Reduction of CO2 in Liquid Amine Absorption •Reduction of Produced Green House Gases from Enhanced Oil Recovery •Novel "Redesigned" Carbonic Anhydrase for Use in Industrial Applications •Inexpensive and Easily Applied Method for Carbon Capture Opportunity Description: NTESS is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize CA optimization and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) are currently available. Sandia invites interested parties to provide a detailed description of relevant background, experience, expertise, and capabilities that could be brought into a collaborative partnership with Sandia. Specific requirements are as follows: Mandatory Requirements: 1)Companies with knowledge and skills to bring products or services to market. 2)Companies with demonstrated experience, expertise or products that require enzyme development or carbon capture technologies. 3)Companies capable of providing up to three hundred thousand dollars (US$300,000) in project funding during the course of the project period, either in-kind or cash contribution. Desired Requirements: 1) Demonstrated successful partnering and teaming relationships with R&D organizations. 2) Preference for companies capable of providing a cumulative three hundred thousand dollars (US$300,000) in project funding during the course of the project period, either in-kind or cash contribution. In addition to evaluating the provided information as outlined above, Sandia will evaluate all responses and select prospective parties with which to engage in further discussions based on the following criteria, pursuant to Sandia's technology transfer mission: 1)How will the respondent deploy the technology for the benefit of the public good? 2)How will the respondent's deployment of the technology benefit U.S. economic competitiveness?