Who developed the accelerated carbon capture method?

The method was developed by scientists at Hebrew University and the Open University in Israel.

How does the new carbon capture technology work?

It accelerates natural carbonate weathering by passing CO2 and seawater through rocks like limestone and dolomite, converting CO2 into dissolved bicarbonate.

What is the efficiency of this new carbon capture process?

The current system converts about 20% of introduced carbon dioxide, with significant potential for engineering improvements.

Home / Environment / Geologic CO2 Capture Now in Hours, Not Millennia

Geologic CO2 Capture Now in Hours, Not Millennia

10 Dec

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Summary

Scientists accelerate a natural geological process from thousands of years to hours.
Lab system locks carbon dioxide into rocks using seawater and common minerals.
This breakthrough offers a potential solution for industrial CO2 emissions.

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.