The charXive challenge and the clean coal quest: thermokinetic principles and methods for capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide

The problem of sequestering surplus atmospheric carbon dioxide is thought to be so difficult that in 2007 Richard Branson and Al Gore launched the $25 million Virgin Earth Challenge prize for a viable technology that can achieve this feat. The best candidate is biochar, which functions in nature as a long-term carbon store. I propose to investigate and validate a new methodology for sustainable charring of biomass waste. Novel principles of reactive thermal coupling will be developed and applied to optimize a balance between char and fuel production and achieve emissions capture. These principles applied to the flue gas emissions problem also have the potential to effect a carbon capture technology of unprecedented economic viability.