▲ Research image (AI-generated)
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced today (August 4) that it has developed an "electrochemical-based ocean carbon dioxide removal (e-DOC)" technology that converts carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater into calcium carbonate, a stone-like mineral, for virtually permanent storage.
The ocean is Earth's largest carbon reservoir, absorbing about 30 percent of human-emitted carbon dioxide. The research team converted dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), a carbon component dissolved in seawater, into solid minerals so that it does not escape back into the atmosphere.
The stored carbon is rendered virtually permanent and prevented from returning to the atmosphere, thereby helping the ocean continuously absorb new carbon dioxide.
In experiments using Jeju lava seawater, the research team successfully operated the device continuously and stably for more than 120 hours.
The system removed 80 to 90 percent of the DIC in the seawater while reducing power consumption by up to 54 percent compared to conventional technologies.
The research team explained that high-purity hydrogen and magnesium hydroxide—materials utilized as eco-friendly resources and industrial raw materials—are also produced during the carbon removal process, enhancing economic viability.
"Because it can be manufactured in a compact, modular form, it can be easily installed on ships or offshore plants (industrial facilities operated at sea)," said Professor Ko Dong-yeon from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "If expanded into a large-scale ocean carbon removal system, it can contribute to achieving carbon neutrality and responding to climate change."
(Photo provided by KAIST, Yonhap News)
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