Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have created a faster, more environmentally friendly method for storing captured carbon from the atmosphere. This innovative technique eliminates the need for harmful chemical accelerants traditionally required in carbon storage processes.
The research team has developed a method for the ultrafast formation of carbon dioxide hydrates—unique ice-like structures capable of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. This advancement could play a crucial role in preventing the release of CO2 into the atmosphere.
“We face a significant challenge in safely removing gigatons of carbon from our atmosphere, and hydrates offer a universal solution for carbon storage,” said Vaibhav Bahadur, a professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering who led the research. “For hydrates to become a major component of carbon storage, we need technology that can produce them rapidly and at scale. Our findings show that we can achieve this without using chemicals that negate the environmental benefits of carbon capture.”
Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas and a major driver of climate change. Carbon capture and sequestration aim to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it indefinitely, making them critical components in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.
Currently, the dominant method for storing carbon involves injecting CO2 into underground reservoirs. While this approach effectively contains carbon and can stimulate oil production, it faces significant challenges, such as potential CO2 leakage, groundwater contamination, and seismic activity. Additionally, many regions lack suitable geological conditions for reservoir injection.
Bahadur notes that while hydrates are considered a secondary option for large-scale carbon storage, they could become the primary method if key challenges are addressed. The new technique has shown a sixfold increase in hydrate formation rate compared to previous methods, combined with a chemical-free process, making it more practical for large-scale use.
Magnesium plays a critical role in this research by acting as a catalyst, eliminating the need for chemical promoters. The technology, supported by a high flow rate of CO2 in a specific reactor setup, is compatible with seawater, simplifying deployment by avoiding complex desalination processes.
“Hydrates are an attractive option for carbon storage because the seabed provides stable thermodynamic conditions, preventing decomposition,” Bahadur explained. “This makes carbon storage accessible to any country with a coastline, making it a feasible and global solution, moving us closer to a sustainable future.”
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond carbon sequestration. Rapid hydrate formation could also be applied to desalination, gas separation, and storage, offering a versatile solution for various industries. The University of Texas has applied for two patents related to this technology and is exploring the possibility of launching a startup to bring it to market.
