Onboard Exhaust Capture and Carbon Sequestration for Off-Highway Vehicles: A Sustainable Approach to Emission Reduction

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) operating in sectors like mining, construction, and agriculture play a significant role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Despite progress in alternative fuel technologies, diesel-powered OHVs continue to prevail because of their strong torque and reliability. This paper suggests an onboard exhaust capture and carbon sequestration system designed to be incorporated into diesel OHVs to temporarily contain and utilize emissions, thereby lessening their environmental impact. The system employs nano-porous filters and solid-state carbon absorption materials to selectively trap CO₂ and NOx directly from the exhaust flow. The gathered CO₂ is then subjected to compression and temporary storage, with possible uses for conversion into carbon-based fuel additives or direct sequestration in industrial applications. Unlike conventional catalytic converters that only diminish NOx emissions, this system provides a dual strategy: reducing airborne pollutants while facilitating carbon reuse. Moreover, advancements in adsorption-desorption cycles and thermal regeneration technologies are investigated to boost system effectiveness and reduce vehicle weight and energy costs. Computational simulations and experimental case studies will assess the practicality of the system across different OHV uses, examining aspects like capture efficiency, energy use, and lifecycle sustainability. This innovation offers a scalable, retrofit option for cutting down emissions in current diesel-powered OHVs without necessitating a full shift to electric or hydrogen powertrains. By incorporating carbon sequestration technology into heavy-duty vehicles, this method can act as a transitional phase toward carbon-neutral industrial operations, aiding in global climate objectives while preserving operational efficiency in challenging settings.