PI: Xuanjie Wang
Co-PIs: Julio Bravo and Carlos Romero
University: Lehigh University
Industry partner: Surface Measurement Systems, LTD NA.
The rapid growth of data centers in Pennsylvania presents both a challenge and an opportunity: while these facilities generate substantial amounts of low-grade waste heat, this thermal energy is largely unused. This project proposes to leverage data center waste heat to enable direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide and atmospheric water harvesting, transforming an underutilized energy stream into a pathway for emissions reduction and water recovery.
The project will systematically characterize sorption materials capable of capturing CO₂ and water vapor when driven by low-temperature waste heat typical of data center operations. Experimental measurements will be combined with system-level modeling to quantify performance under realistic operating conditions. A preliminary techno-economic analysis will assess the feasibility and economic drivers of deploying such systems within Pennsylvania’s expanding data center infrastructure. By integrating materials characterization, modeling, and economic assessment, this work will provide a pathway for waste heat–enabled DAC and water harvesting technologies. The outcomes will support Pennsylvania’s goals in energy efficiency, carbon management, and sustainable digital infrastructure development.