Highlights
- Dotz and Bar-Ilan University sign a strategic collaboration agreement to develop an electrochemical pilot system for CO2 removal from the atmosphere by Direct Air Capture;
- The parties have been awarded a non-dilutive grant of approximately USD250,000 from the Israel Innovation Authority to support the pilot development;
- A successful pilot project will lead to an exclusive worldwide, royalty-bearing license agreement between the parties for the commercialization phase.
Dotz Nano Limited (ASX: DTZ, OTC: DTZZF/DTZNY, “Dotz” or “Company”), a leading developer of innovative climate and industrial nanotechnologies, today announced a technology collaboration with BIRAD Research and Development Ltd. (BIRAD), the technology licensing subsidiary of Bar-Ilan University (BIU), to develop a pioneering electrochemical pilot system for Direct Air Capture (DAC). The parties have applied for and received a non-dilutive grant from the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) to fund the development of a pilot unit.
Dotz CEO Sharon Malka said: “We are excited to collaborate with BIU, to advance its innovative electrochemical technology for CO2 removal by DAC. This partnership brings us closer to realizing a field demonstration pilot that addresses critical challenges associated with current DAC electrochemical technologies.
“We are honoured that the IIA has awarded this joint initiative a non-dilutive grant, which will significantly contribute to developing an electrochemical field pilot together with the BIU research team.
“This collaboration expands our reach in the carbon management sector and strengthens our position in the DAC space, which is crucial for achieving global climate goals.”
The joint development initiative builds on the ground-breaking work of Professor Doron Aurbach, a principal investigator at BIU, and his research team at BIU, who have developed an efficient electrochemical technology for capturing and releasing CO2 from the air. The proprietary innovative technology is supported by a proof-of-concept prototype demonstrating low energy consumption.
Under the collaboration agreement, the parties will jointly design, construct, and operate an outdoor field pilot system to demonstrate the technology in real life. The BIU research team will lead the development program, which will be directed and supervised by the BIU principal investigator, leveraging BIRAD’s extensive experience and knowledge in electrochemical technologies and gas separation capabilities.
BIU principal investigator, Professor Doron Aurbach said, “As a pioneer in the research and development of chemical and energy technologies, with longstanding experience in electrochemical technologies, we are pleased to be working with Dotz to advance the development of our electrochemical technology for DAC.
“Our team looks forward to working with Dotz’s R&D team to advance the technology closer to real-world applications, as we believe that CO2 removal by DAC technologies are very beneficial for various applications.”
CO2 removal by DAC technology uses electrochemical reactions to capture CO2 from the atmosphere without using heat or pressure and a successful pilot project would significantly advance Dotz’s commercialisation of its carbon capture and storage technologies.
The parties applied for and received approval for a non-dilutive grant from the IIA of approximately USD250,000 under the IIA’s Magneton program, for the development of an electrochemical pilot system for CO2 removal by DAC. BIRAD also granted the Company an option for an exclusive, royalty-bearing worldwide license to commercialise the technology following a successful pilot.
About the technology
The electrochemical approach to DAC represents a significant technological advancement, enabling efficient CO2 separation from ambient air while simplifying the capture process.
Unlike existing systems that face challenges such as high maintenance costs, susceptibility to fouling, and scalability limitations, the current approach avoids these drawbacks. By employing robust electrochemical reactions, it provides greater flexibility, durability, and efficiency while reducing energy demands. BIU’s approach offers a simpler and more efficient pathway, positioning us at the forefront of DAC innovation.
DAC technologies are projected to play a critical role in mitigating climate change, with experts estimating that it may be necessary to capture up to 10 gigatons of CO2 annually by mid-century1. The global DAC market is expected to grow from $57 million in 2022 to over $3.5 billion by 20302, offering Dotz significant growth opportunities.
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Dotz Nano.