As the student branch of the Global CO2 Initiative, we coordinate both research initiatives to develop novel carbon capture technology and educational initiatives to advance climate tech understanding in the Ann Arbor community. Together, we're building a sustainable future.
Project SAPPHIRE is MCC's project team working to build a device to extract carbon and hydrogen gas from urban wastewater. Nurturing microbes under a slight electrical current and repurposing calcium-rich industrial wasteproducts kickstarts a chain reaction that allows the device to carry out both processes simultaneously.
Project CERULEAN is MCC's newest project team developed with a goal of designing a zero-emission biochar production facility with potential for real-world scale up. We hope to optimize our biochar product to use in applications on campus to enhance natural carbon sinks like soil.
Winner - 2026 OpenAir Carbon Removal Challenge
Project SAPPHIRE was a winner of the OpenAir Collective's international competition for collegiate carbon capture technologies, presenting their findings in New York at the Carbon Unbound 2026 conference.
2nd Place - 2024 ChemE Cube Direct Air Capture Competition
Project COBALT was recognized for innovative direct air capture technology design and implementation in the prestigious AIChE ChemE Cube competition.
Email: carboncapture-eboard@umich.edu
Instagram: @umcarboncapture