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Self-Biased Electro-Mineralization via Programmable Field Engineering for Energy-Efficient Ocean Carbon Removal.
Jundong Wang1,2, Shuilong Kang3, Yipeng Zheng4
1The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Haidian, Beijing, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|February 15, 2026
Summary
This study introduces self-biased electro-mineralization for efficient ocean carbon removal. This method uses programmable electrodes to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) without large pH swings, offering a scalable and cost-effective climate solution.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Gigaton-scale carbon removal requires permanent storage with minimal environmental impact.
- Existing ocean carbon removal methods face challenges like high costs, membrane fouling, and significant pH shifts.
- Electrochemical routes are promising but often inefficient or complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a practical and scalable ocean carbon removal technology.
- To demonstrate a novel electro-mineralization process that avoids common limitations.
- To assess the economic viability and potential for resource recovery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized porous core-shell electrodes to create programmed interfacial fields.
- Directed ion transport (Ca2+/CO32-) and induced in-pore crystallization in simulated seawater.
- Tested electrode durability (>2000 h) and performance under flow conditions.
- Scaled the technology using a 400 cm2 cell and a 100-liter reactor.
Main Results:
- Achieved ~25% dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) conversion without large pH swings or membranes.
- Demonstrated long-duration, fouling-resistant operation.
- Projected energy consumption of 44 kJ/mol CO2 and a cost of $139/t CO2.
- Successfully precipitated various sparingly soluble phases, indicating potential for resource recovery.
Conclusions:
- Self-biased electro-mineralization offers a scalable, cost-effective pathway for ocean carbon removal.
- Programmable reaction-environment design overcomes limitations of bulk-solution manipulation.
- The technology advances climate-relevant carbon capture with potential for dual use in resource recovery.
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