L2M – A unique electrochemical approach using ocean/brine water for gigaton CO2 removal

The PEACH (Practical Electrochemical Air Capture and Hydrogen) DAC (Direct Air Capture) offers a low-cost, nature-inspired ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) using a unique electro-geochemical approach. The PEACH DACquiri is a form of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) that seeks to modify surface ocean water (or other water mass) chemistry, using ion-selective electrode systems to promote the natural drawdown of atmospheric CO2. This process increases the surface ocean alkalinity, thereby promoting CO2 uptake and conversion to stable bicarbonate ions, which are stored in the ocean for long timescales, approaching near-permanent storage. Our innovative approach uses only ocean/saline water and renewable electricity as inputs without the addition of external mined minerals or adsorbents, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact compared to other proposed ocean alkalinity methods. The PEACH electrochemical cell can also be configured to produce hydrogen as a valuable by-product during the process. We have also proposed a battery cell system, which lowers the energy and power consumption of the system to half, thereby lowering the cost to a theoretical $100 per ton of CO2. This technology operates at much lower power and can be entirely powered by off-grid renewable electricity from solar, wave, and wind sources. Besides, the PEACH DACquiri technology is location-independent and flexible in design such that it can be implemented both in coastal and fully marine sites and does not depend on external mineral provision. The technology may also provide a route to a fully electrical DAC system deployable anywhere including on land.

Faculty Supervisor:

Benjamin Tutolo

Student:

Partner:

Innovate Calgary

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: