New device captures carbon dioxide by pumping it across a battery

Researchers led by James Buchen at the University of Delaware have developed a novel electrochemical carbon-capture device that utilizes battery technology to remove CO2 from the air or industrial emissions. Unlike traditional carbon-capture methods that rely on energy-intensive heating processes to release captured gas, this system uses a battery-based approach. Hydroxide ions produced at the cathode react with CO2 to form carbonates, which then migrate through a membrane to the anode. At the anode, a lower pH environment triggers a reversal of the reaction, effectively releasing the CO2 as a concentrated gas stream. This electrochemical method is designed to be more energy-efficient and cost-effective than current reversible-filter technologies. By integrating carbon capture directly into an electrochemical cell, the team aims to provide a more scalable and sustainable solution for mitigating atmospheric carbon levels, potentially transforming how we manage industrial emissions and ambient air quality.