Equatic’s New Technology for Carbon Removal, Storage, and Carbon-Negative Hydrogen
Here’s an article posted in Green Car Congress that talks about Equatic’s technology.
According to the article,
Equatic’s technology offers a scalable, high-quality solution for carbon removal, durable and permanent storage, and accessible, carbon-negative hydrogen fuel. Key elements include:
- Seawater Electrolysis: Pass an electrical current through seawater to trap CO2 in solid minerals and dissolved substances.
- Direct Air Capture: Pass atmospheric air through processed seawater to trap CO2 in solid minerals and dissolved substances.
- Rock Neutralization: Use rock to neutralize processed seawater, preserving ocean chemistry.
Here are the furthermore details related to the post:
Equatic’s revolutionary technology combines several innovative processes to achieve carbon removal and carbon-negative hydrogen generation at scale. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
- Electrolysis of Seawater: Equatic starts by passing an electrical current through seawater in a process known as electrolysis. Seawater is composed of various dissolved ions, including sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-), which conduct electricity. When an electric current is passed through seawater, it causes the water molecules (H2O) to undergo electrolysis, splitting into hydrogen gas (H2) at the cathode and oxygen gas (O2) at the anode.
- Specific data point: The efficiency of this electrolysis process can be measured in terms of the energy required per unit of hydrogen produced. Equatic likely optimizes this process to minimize energy consumption and maximize hydrogen yield.
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): After electrolysis, Equatic passes atmospheric air through the processed seawater. This step, known as direct air capture, allows the seawater to absorb CO2 from the air. The CO2 dissolves in the seawater, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then reacts with minerals in the seawater to form solid carbonates.
- Specific data point: The capacity of the seawater to absorb CO2 depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the concentration of dissolved ions. Equatic may have conducted studies to optimize these conditions for maximum CO2 absorption.
- Carbon Storage: The captured CO2 is stored in solid minerals and as dissolved substances in the seawater. These carbonates are stable and will remain in the ocean for thousands of years, effectively removing CO2 from the atmosphere and preventing its release.
- Specific data point: Equatic likely monitors the rate of carbon storage and the stability of the carbonates formed to ensure long-term carbon sequestration.
- Neutralization with Rock: Equatic uses rock to neutralize the processed seawater, ensuring that the ocean’s chemistry remains balanced. This step prevents any adverse effects on marine ecosystems and maintains the overall health of the ocean.
- Specific data point: The type of rock used for neutralization and the amount required would depend on factors such as the acidity of the processed seawater and the desired pH level.
- Carbon-Negative Hydrogen Generation: As a by-product of the electrolysis process, Equatic produces hydrogen gas (H2), which is carbon-negative since the CO2 captured during direct air capture exceeds the CO2 emitted during hydrogen production. This carbon-negative hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel source in various industries, further reducing carbon emissions.
- Specific data point: Equatic may measure the carbon intensity of its hydrogen production process, comparing the amount of CO2 removed during direct air capture to the CO2 emitted during electrolysis.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Green Hydrogen from Seawater: Equatic Makes by Extracting CO2 – US-based Equatic plans to produce green hydrogen by extracting CO2 from seawater, utilizing a technique that releases stored CO2.
