What is Direct Air Capture and how does it work?

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. It involves using a liquid to absorb CO2 from the air, which is then concentrated and can be repurposed for various applications, such as building materials or fuels.

Why is carbon dioxide considered both harmful and beneficial?

Carbon dioxide is often viewed negatively due to its role in climate change as a greenhouse gas. However, it is also a crucial component in many products and processes, including construction materials and fuels, making it essential for modern life when sourced sustainably.

What are the potential uses of captured CO2?

Captured CO2 can be transformed into a variety of products, including building materials, aviation fuel, and even beverages like fizzy drinks. This repurposing not only helps reduce emissions but also creates valuable materials that can contribute to a circular economy.

How does Mission Zero plan to scale its CO2 capture technology?

Mission Zero aims to scale its Direct Air Capture technology by leveraging existing infrastructure and supply chains, such as cooling towers and electrodialysis systems. This approach allows the company to build on established technologies to increase efficiency and output without starting from scratch.

What distinguishes Mission Zero from other companies in the Direct Air Capture field?

Mission Zero is distinguished by its focus on not just capturing CO2 but also repurposing it into useful products, thereby creating a positive impact on the environment. The company has operational projects that demonstrate its technology's effectiveness, setting it apart from many other companies still in the development phase.

Environment

Nicholas Chadwick

CEO & Co-Founder — Mission Zero

Why learn to love CO2 ?

10:07·5 February 2026

Mission Zero wears its aim in its name – the company is on a mission, working towards zero emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. But it’s the method that is revolutionary: Mission Zero focuses on pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere, and turning into some of the stuff we all need and love!

Nicholas Chadwick, Shiladitya Ghosh and Gaël Gobaille-Shaw, chemist, chemical engineer and electrochemist respectively, came together around the realisation that: “(humanity is) facing an extinction event largely caused by excessive amounts of CO2 – when we have endless uses for that CO2”. And they set about harnessing the carbon dioxide in emissions and transforming it, not just to lock it away, but to actually put it to work. Thanks to Direct Air Capture, cutting edge technical solutions, and some creative engineering, Mission Zero are repurposing dangerous emissions into building materials, food, aviation fuel, vodka! Listen to Nick Chadwick explain some of the fascinating science behind the high-tech hope the company are producing.

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Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. It involves using a liquid to absorb CO2 from the air, which is then concentrated and can be repurposed for various applications, such as building materials or fuels.