What is Carbon Collect’s MechanicalTree™ Project?
Carbon Collect is shaking up the world of carbon capture with its MechanicalTree™—a truly innovative, technology-first approach to Direct Air Capture (DAC). Instead of relying on energy-hungry fans or blowers, this system uses the wind itself to passively move air through vertical disks coated with a special sorbent material that snatches CO₂ right out of the atmosphere. This isn’t just a small tweak; it’s a radical breakthrough built on over 30 years of research led by Professor Klaus Lackner at Arizona State University. The MechanicalTree™ is modular, scalable, and designed to work quietly and efficiently across a variety of climates and geographies. Simply put, it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to pull carbon from the air.
Main Benefits of the MechanicalTree™
Here’s why the MechanicalTree™ stands out in the crowded field of carbon capture technologies:
- Eliminates energy-intensive fans—uses natural wind flow to capture CO₂
- Modular design allows for easy scaling and transportability worldwide
- Built with lightweight, non-metallic materials for durability and cost reduction
- Regenerates sorbent at low temperatures (below 100 °C), saving energy
- Targets capture costs under $200 per ton by 2030
- Operates quietly and passively, even at low wind speeds
- Patented technology backed by extensive research and innovation
Innovative Technology Behind the MechanicalTree™
The MechanicalTree™ isn’t just a clever design; it’s a leap forward in engineering and materials science. By using advanced non-metallic materials, Carbon Collect has simplified production and boosted durability, making the system lighter and more efficient than traditional metal-heavy DAC units. The sorbent disks inside the tree capture CO₂ efficiently, and when gently heated under vacuum with low-grade steam, the CO₂ is released for collection and reuse. This low-temperature thermal vacuum swing system is a game-changer, enabling practical, commercial deployment of DAC at scale.
Patents and Intellectual Property Strategy
Carbon Collect holds exclusive global rights to the foundational ASU–Lackner patents, which define the unique geometry and passive air-contacting principle of the MechanicalTree™. But the company isn’t stopping there. It’s developing a comprehensive patent portfolio that protects innovations in modular sorbent disk assemblies, composite regeneration chambers, and integrated, transportable architectures. This robust IP strategy secures a manufacturable, low-cost pathway to large-scale DAC deployment, ensuring the technology remains cutting-edge and commercially viable.
Artificial Intelligence and Future Evolution
Artificial intelligence is already playing a key role in evolving the MechanicalTree™ design. Using deep reinforcement learning and data-driven control, future versions will self-optimize to boost efficiency and drive down costs even further. This means the system will get smarter over time, adapting to different environments and operational conditions to maximize carbon capture performance. It’s not just about capturing CO₂ today—it’s about continuous innovation for tomorrow’s climate challenges.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by reducing energy consumption in DAC
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through advanced engineering and materials
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – enabling cleaner air and reduced emissions
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting sustainable carbon capture
- SDG 13: Climate Action – directly removing CO₂ from the atmosphere
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting ecosystem health by mitigating climate change
Real-World Deployment and Applications
The Gen-II MechanicalTree™ is already operational in Tempe, Arizona, backed by U.S. Department of Energy programs like SAPDAC and the Southwest Regional DAC Hub. This validates the platform’s versatility, serving applications ranging from clean fuels and building materials to agriculture, food production, and industrial CO₂ use. Plus, it supports permanent sequestration efforts, helping replace fossil-derived CO₂ and cutting transport emissions. Quiet, durable, and modular, the MechanicalTree™ is turning atmospheric carbon into a valuable industrial feedstock—making large-scale carbon removal not just a dream, but a practical reality.
