The Power of Electrochemistry: Cleaning Up Seas

Scientists have been exploring a new way to fight climate change by removing carbon from the oceans using electrochemical systems. These systems use a process called alkalinity-swings to get rid of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). This can be done in two ways: by releasing carbon dioxide gas or by turning it into solid minerals. To understand how well these systems can work, researchers developed a thermodynamic framework. They looked at the basic balances of the systems and found that asymmetric charge/discharge methods are particularly useful. This new approach can also be applied to other techniques, like those using dilution schemes. They even compared it to direct air capture. This framework is designed to help engineers design better systems and inspire new materials for future marine DIC removal technologies.