A literature review of direct air capture technology from a socioeconomic perspective

Journal article, 2025

Direct air capture (DAC) technology represents a crucial pathway for achieving climate goals. Recent scientific advancements in DAC have moved beyond engineering into multidisciplinary discourse. This moment presents an optimal opportunity to integrate DAC technology into broader conversations on socioeconomic systems and climate change scenarios, aiming to address the rapidly diminishing global emissions space. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and bridge any research gaps in this expansive body of studies to promote the future application of DAC. Motivated by this necessity, this study systematically analyzes 813 scientific publications on DAC, focusing specifically on 75 socioeconomic studies, to critically review and synthesize their findings. We uncover five major research hotspots in a socioeconomic perspective: (i) simulating DAC development pathways and demand using integrated assessment models that account for spatial, temporal, and parametric heterogeneity; (ii) evaluating DAC economics and costs through cross-disciplinary technoeconomic analyses; (iii) assessing the socioeconomic impacts and net carbon removal efficiencies of DAC when integrated with various CO₂ utilization methods from a full life cycle perspective; (iv) conducting cost–benefit analysis and optimization modeling of DAC integration with new energy systems and other utilization technologies; and (v) optimizing business models and policy frameworks for DAC implementation. Persisting challenges in social science research include standardizing cost indicators, forecasting cost trends under uncertainty, conducting life cycle assessments across differing technology types, and optimizing spatiotemporal layouts for multi-objective coordination. We further recommend advancing DAC technology through increased investment in R&D, policy support, and the creation of methodologies for carbon removal verification.