Molten Salt Breakthrough: How MIT Spinout Mantel is Rewriting the Economics of Carbon Capture
Imagine a future where industrial plants don’t just reduce their carbon emissions, but actually profit from capturing them. It sounds like science fiction, but a growing number of experts believe it’s within reach, thanks to innovations like those coming out of Mantel, an MIT spinout tackling carbon capture with a radically different approach. For decades, the promise of large-scale carbon capture has been hampered by exorbitant costs and energy demands. Now, a simple, yet elegant solution – molten salts – is poised to change the game.
The story begins not in a high-tech lab, but with a frustrating graph. Cameron Halliday, now CEO of Mantel, spent years during his PhD at MIT watching materials fail to absorb CO2 at the high temperatures found in industrial settings. “Every material we tested degraded quickly,” Halliday explains. “It was the fundamental limiter.” But in 2019, a test with lithium-sodium ortho-borate salts yielded a stunning result: over 1,000 cycles, the material showed virtually no degradation, absorbing over 95% of CO2.
The Power of Liquid Salts: A Paradigm Shift in Carbon Capture
The key, Halliday’s team discovered, lies in the liquid nature of the molten salts at high temperatures. Unlike solid materials that crack and crumble under extreme heat, the salts remain stable, allowing for continuous and efficient CO2 absorption. This stability dramatically extends the lifespan of the capture material, reducing costs and improving overall performance. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Mantel’s system isn’t just about capturing carbon; it’s about turning a waste product into a valuable resource.
“We’re not just trying to make carbon capture cheaper; we’re trying to make it profitable,” Halliday asserts. Mantel’s system integrates with existing industrial processes, capturing CO2 emissions and then using the heat generated during capture to produce steam. This steam can then be used to power the facility itself, significantly reducing energy consumption and creating a new revenue stream. This approach drastically lowers the net energy requirement – down to just 3% of state-of-the-art systems – a game-changer for industries where energy costs are substantial.
From Lab to Large-Scale: Mantel’s Rapid Growth
Halliday’s journey from academic research to entrepreneurial leadership was accelerated by MIT’s ecosystem. He initially cold-emailed Alan Hatton, a leading chemical engineering professor, and later participated in Course 15.366 (Climate and Energy Ventures), where he met his co-founders, Sean Robertson and Danielle Rapson. This course, which has spawned over 150 companies, provided invaluable guidance on navigating the complexities of building a startup. “MIT really tries to pull these great ideas out of academia and get them into the world,” Halliday says.
Mantel’s progress has been rapid. Starting with a shoebox-sized prototype, the company quickly scaled up to a shipping container-sized system at The Engine, an MIT-affiliated incubator. Now, they’re partnering with Kruger Inc. to build a full-scale system at a factory in Quebec, slated to begin operation next year. This project will serve as a crucial proving ground, demonstrating the system’s efficiency and scalability in a real-world industrial setting.
Beyond Quebec: A Global Opportunity
The potential applications for Mantel’s technology are vast. The company is currently in discussions with nearly 100 industrial partners across various sectors, including refineries, data centers, cement plants, and oil and gas companies. Because the system is designed as an add-on, it can be readily integrated into existing infrastructure without requiring major overhauls. This adaptability is a key advantage in a market where retrofitting existing facilities is often more practical than building new ones.
Mantel doesn’t focus on the final step of CO2 sequestration or conversion, but recognizes that efficient capture is the biggest cost driver in the entire carbon value chain. They also produce high-quality CO2 that can be used in various industries, such as food and beverage production (think the carbonation in your soda). This creates additional market opportunities and further enhances the economic viability of the system.
The Future of Industrial Decarbonization: Trends to Watch
Mantel’s success is indicative of several key trends shaping the future of carbon capture and industrial decarbonization. Firstly, we’re seeing a shift towards process integration, where carbon capture isn’t viewed as a standalone cost center, but as an integral part of the industrial process, generating value and improving efficiency. Secondly, molten salt technologies are gaining traction, offering a promising alternative to traditional solid sorbents. Finally, the increasing pressure from investors and regulators is driving demand for scalable and cost-effective carbon capture solutions.
Looking ahead, several developments could further accelerate the adoption of carbon capture technologies. Advancements in CO2 utilization – turning captured CO2 into valuable products like fuels, building materials, and chemicals – could create new revenue streams and incentivize further investment. Government policies, such as carbon pricing mechanisms and tax credits, will also play a crucial role in leveling the playing field and making carbon capture economically attractive. Furthermore, the development of more efficient and durable materials, building on the foundation laid by Halliday’s work, will continue to drive down costs and improve performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carbon capture, and why is it important?
Carbon capture is the process of capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and preventing them from entering the atmosphere. It’s a critical technology for mitigating climate change, particularly in sectors like power generation, cement production, and steel manufacturing.
How does Mantel’s technology differ from other carbon capture methods?
Mantel’s system utilizes molten salts, which remain stable at high temperatures, unlike traditional solid materials that degrade over time. Crucially, it also recovers heat from the capture process to generate steam, creating a valuable byproduct and significantly reducing energy consumption.
What industries are best suited for Mantel’s technology?
Mantel’s system is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of industries with high-temperature emissions, including power plants, cement factories, steel mills, refineries, and pulp and paper mills.
What is the future of carbon capture technology?
The future of carbon capture lies in developing more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solutions. Integration with industrial processes, advancements in materials science, and supportive government policies will be key drivers of growth.
Mantel’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions. As the pressure to decarbonize intensifies, companies like Mantel are poised to lead the charge, transforming the economics of carbon capture and paving the way for a more sustainable industrial future. What role will you play in this evolving landscape?
Explore more about sustainable energy solutions on Archyde.com. See our guide on industrial decarbonization strategies for further insights. And don’t miss our coverage of emerging climate technologies.
