Carbon capture & conversion
Zephyro is searching for the ultimate solution in CO₂ conversion.
Our mission
We believe that a true solution to the climate crisis is to find a way to manage gaseous emissions without changing our society’s lifestyle. Through new technologies, humankind will find a way to convert greenhouse gasses into economically valuable and environmentally benign materials. Zephyro aims to identify promising technologies that can be scientifically vetted and developed for applied use to overcome today’s emission issues.
It is impossible to slow (let alone stop) emissions in the progressive world we live in today. This trend will not change and is only likely to grow in the future. We must stop lying to ourselves, our friends, and our children. The solution is not to stop using fossil fuels but rather how to fix the way gaseous emissions are handled.
Perhaps the most crucial step in tomorrow's emission society. By placing control over the world's emissions, we will cease unbridled air pollution and develop the capability to use these chemicals in an environmentally positive way.
The final stage in creating a responsible emissions reality. By converting captured greenhouse emissions into economically valuable materials, our future society will be able to transform today's air pollution into tomorrow's wealth. By closing the exhaust emission cycle, humankind will cease worsening climate change and add tremendous economic value.
Why it matters
Our company began with the realization that the proliferating use of fossil fuels and their inherent carbon emissions will not slow down but instead continue to increase. Unfortunately, efforts to challenge fossil fuel use and emissions appear insurmountable. In contrast, humanity should embrace this inevitability and identify a method to capture and convert emissions into economically valuable resources. In achieving this goal, Zephyro will usher in a future with reduced pollution and increased value.
“If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilisation developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO₂ will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm [parts per million] to at most 350 ppm… If the present overshoot of this target CO₂ is not brief, there is a possibility of seeding irreversible catastrophic effects.”
Green house gasses today
By converting captured greenhouse emissions into economically valuable materials, our future society will be able to transform today’s air pollution into tomorrow’s wealth.
29%According to a study performed by the EPA (Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks), transportation accounts for an estimated 29% of greenhouse gas emissions, with only half originating from passenger cars, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, including sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. The remaining emissions within the transportation sector (approximately 14% of total greenhouse emissions) come from other types of transportation, including commercial aircraft, ships, boats, trains, pipelines, and lubricants.
25%Electricity generation accounts for 25% of the total estimated greenhouse gas emissions. Coal-powered electricity generation represents only 24% of electricity generated within the U.S., yet it accounts for 61% of greenhouse gas emissions within this sector. As electricity generation continues to move towards less polluting processes and renewable energy technologies, the energy sector is expected to continue the trend of emitting less greenhouse gasses into the future.
23%Making up 23% of total estimated greenhouse gas emissions, the industry sector emits both directly and indirectly. Direct emissions originate from the burning of fossil fuels for heat generation, chemical reactions (from metal processing and cement manufacturing), and from leaks in natural gas and petroleum systems. Indirect emissions occur from on-site electricity generation used for powering machinery and equipment.
Share of total estimated greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan
Zephyro is searching for the ultimate solution in converting CO₂ into valuable products. The following is our 3-step plan, ultimately resulting in our ability to implement the best technology in real-world applications. The goal is to find this solution, implement it at-scale, and educate the general public.
Survey the literature and identify research institutions that are best suited to tackle the issues presented in our mission. By connecting with these institutions, we will choose which are best suited for our goals and present a call for proposals where technologies for carbon capture will be of emphasis.
Based on the effectiveness, costs, and conversion process of the carbon capture technologies, the few most promising technologies presented from Phase One will be selected. The selected technologies will receive funding (3-4 years) to scale-up the technology with full lab tests and optimization of the technology.
The best 1-2 technologies from Phase Two will be selected for scale-up pilot studies. Implementation of the best technology in real world application. Education of general public through conference attendance/presentations, hosting of events, and media outreach will continue.
Market opportunity
Carbon is the building block of life. Almost anything can be made from CO2, but here are a few examples of sellable products that can be made today.
Market scale (annual). MT: million tons, imperial; B: $1 billion USD. Source: https://aaqr.org/articles/aaqr-13-10-ir-0326.pdf
Milestones
$100k, 100% internal
$400k internal research, $600k external research
$4M internal research, $6M external research
$5M internal engineering, $95M external engineering, construction
100% of royalty payments are spent internally on scholarships, marketing, public relations, education, and outreach
Team
Co-Founder & CEO
Grant Thomas is a commercial litigator with a focus on intellectual property. He continues to work with several start-up clients to develop their platforms. His passion for promulgating climate change solutions led him to co-found Zephyro.
Co-Founder & CFO
MS from Drexel University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Charles holds dual degrees in entrepreneurship and engineering management. He is passionate about preserving our world’s oceans and natural wonders.
Co-Founder & CTO
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, interest in synthetic chemistry, plasma chemistry, catalysis, and plasma engineering. Principal Investigator/Co-PI on multiple government and private grants. Dreams to use 25+ years of knowledge to improve our children’s future.
Want to learn more?
Carbon capture technologies are maturing, but what about conversion and utilization? Here are some ideas to get you started on your search for the answers.