Materials Science Challenges in Ocean-Based Carbon Removal Solutions

There is a critical knowledge gap in understanding the kinetics and mechanisms of mineral formation and degradation in the context of potential technologies that are targeted for carbon capture, utilization, and storage [1]. Both crystallization and dissolution of carbonate minerals figure prominently in many such climate-change-mitigation strategies that aim for carbon dioxide removal. For example, different approaches to ocean-based alkalinity enhancement involve processes that depend on mineral surface and interfacial chemistry in order to increase water pH with concomitant atmospheric carbon removal. In this context, I will describe my team’s work related to tracking changes in carbonate mineral phases, including surfaces and bulk structures, due to dissolution and recrystallization processes. In doing so, I will emphasize the urgent need for collaborations between researchers who do foundational materials science with those involved in developing monitoring, reporting, and verification protocols for potential carbon dioxide removal strategies.<br/>[1] Basic Energy Sciences Roundtable, Foundational Science for Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, US Department of Energy (2022) DOI: 10.2172/1868525