Advancing Two-step Carbon Capture and Storage Technology

This MITACS GRA project supports an MSc intern from Karunya University, India, to collaborate with Cape Breton University (CBU), Canada, on enhancing carbon capture from seawater using PEI-functionalized alginate beads. The research addresses the challenge of seawater quickly reaching CO2 saturation, which limits its capture capacity. CBU’s two-step process captures CO2 in seawater, forming precipitates that act as nucleation sites for mineral carbonation in metal-rich mine voids, converting CO2 into stable carbonates for permanent storage.
To overcome equilibrium limitations, the project applies Le Chatelier’s principle by introducing PEI-alginate beads that chemisorb dissolved CO2, sustaining its uptake. These beads, developed by Karunya University, are optimized for high amine density, water stability, and scalability. The study will assess bead performance in real seawater, including compatibility, sorption/desorption kinetics, regeneration or disposal options, and the ability of resulting precipitates to initiate carbonate formation in various mine-water chemistries.
Deliverables include experimental data, a proof-of-performance package, and engineering specifications for a coastal pilot prototype. The project aims to advance a scalable, field-ready system for permanent CO2 removal, contributing to the intern’s MSc thesis.

Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Mkandawire

Student:

Partner:

Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Technology; Water; Sustainability and the Environment

University:

Cape Breton University

Program: