Geologic CO2 Capture Now in Hours, Not Millennia

Researchers in Israel have successfully engineered a method to dramatically speed up a natural carbon capture process, compressing thousands of years of geological action into a matter of hours. This breakthrough involves running carbon dioxide and seawater through common carbonate rocks, such as limestone and dolomite, effectively transforming the gas into dissolved bicarbonate ions before it can enter the atmosphere.

The core of this innovation lies in mimicking and accelerating natural carbonate weathering. Scientists controlled and measured the reaction within a laboratory system, identifying critical factors like the CO2-to-seawater ratio and rock grain size that influence efficiency. While the current system converts about 20% of introduced carbon dioxide, there is substantial room for optimization.

This accelerated carbon capture technology could offer a practical, nature-based solution for major CO2 emitters like power plants and industrial facilities. By employing reactors that process their emissions, these operations could significantly reduce their carbon footprint, leveraging abundant and inexpensive materials to address climate change on human timescales.