Ocean carbon capture and alkalinity enhancement

Ocean-based carbon capture and alkalinity enhancement have gained attention as effective approaches to removing atmospheric CO2 and addressing climate change. This project focuses on developing a seawater-based electrochemical system to tackle key technical challenges, including electrode degradation and salt buildup during prolonged electrolysis. Through innovative reactor designs, the system will neutralize ocean acidity while extracting pure CO2, which can be further utilized for decarbonization initiatives. Additionally, the process may generate useful byproducts such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH)—which can further boost ocean alkalinity—and hydrogen (H2), a clean energy carrier suitable for industrial applications and renewable energy storage.

A major advancement of this project lies in employing varied reaction couples, particularly the H2 -H2 redox pair, which reduces the reaction energy barrier and enhances overall efficiency. This system is also designed to flexibly integrate with renewable energy sources like wind and solar by adjusting reaction conditions for optimal performance. The aim is to create a scalable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solution for large-scale carbon capture, while simultaneously generating valuable chemical outputs. This work represents a practical step forward in developing ocean-based carbon removal technologies and offers a sustainable pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.