Research & Development

DIY Biochar The Biochar mission seeks to explore production and utilization of biochar on small scale, to help individuals with interest in carbon dioxide removal learn how biochar can be harnessed in creative and do-it-yourself ways. Carbon Removal Challenge The Carbon Removal Challenge is a worldwide challenge for students to create new processes, approaches and prototypes to remove carbon from the land, waters, or air. This mission is led by Matt Parker Cyan The CYAN mission began under the leadership of Dahl Winters in January 2021. The objective has been to develop a miniature, open-source device that removes small amounts of CO2 from the air using simple, inexpensive off-the-shelf components. Air-Synth VIOLET VIOLET was a collaborative OpenAir mission to develop and evolve the world’s first miniature open-source Direct Air Carbon Capture (DAC) machine - inactive effective April 2023. DAC machines are envisioned to suck carbon right out of the air and will be an essential part of reversing climate change and optimizing our atmosphere for civilization in the 21st Century. During the VIOLET mission, participants explored a variety of adsorbent materials and evaluated sensors. An effective combination of adsorbent and regeneration process was not encountered. Printing Carbon In this category we discuss various aspects related to the intersection of carbon removal and 3D printing, including: 1. Using 3D printing to improve OpenAir R&D projects, 2. Developing novel 3D printing filaments and/or resins that incorporate carbon-based materials, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and 3. Building relationships with 3D printing suppliers and innovators to advance and deepen integration of 3D printing and CDR communities, worldwide. Synthwave