Captivate joins Massey Ventures' portfolio and contributes to the global portfolio of innovative technologies that will play a critical role in our sustainable transition towards a greener future. 

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Captivate will enter this growing market by commercialising their metal-organic framework (MOF), MUF-16, for carbon capture applications. MUF-16 was developed through the research of Massey University’s Professor in Chemistry, Prof Shane Telfer, PhD student Omid Qazvini, and postdoctoral researcher, Dr Subo Lee.

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MOFs are porous solid materials consisting of linked metal ions that act as ‘sponges’ for specific molecules, and industry can use MOFs to adsorb particular molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO2). MOFs have enormous potential for sequestration of CO2 emitted from primary sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MUF-16 achieves CO2 adsorption as a solid-state material, meaning it’s more environmentally friendly, easier to handle, more energy-efficient, and long-lived than traditional amine systems.

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We urgently need to slash greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. However, emissions from industry can be among the hardest to abate. Demand for cement, steel, electricity and chemicals will remain vital to support a growing and increasingly urbanised global population, but their production must be more efficient if climate goals are to be met. Carbon capture at the point of production will likely be one of the most cost-effective solutions that industries can deploy to reduce emissions.

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Interest has already been expressed from industrial players such as cement manufacturers, geothermal power plants and biogas producers. These partners recognise that carbon capture technology is already proving to be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and that carbon dioxide can become a value-added commodity. We have also seen globally strengthened and tailored policy responses to support industry transformation consistent with climate goals. These developments give us increased confidence that this technology has sufficient backing from governments and critical industrial players seeking to preserve competitiveness while also tackling their emissions. This technology will address the decarbonisation challenge while supporting sustainable and competitive industries.

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Captivate is currently looking to conduct further pilot-scale demonstrations of carbon capture using MUF-16 and will establish a demonstration plant following current on-site trials. Shane will be joined by Mark Cleaver from Massey Ventures and Dr Andrew Chen (Chair) from Matū on the Board of Directors.