🚨Scientists built a device that captures carbon from the seawater and turns it into biodegradable plastic, using bacteria as a living bioreactor.
#CDR #mCDR #CarbonDioxideRemoval #Bioplastics
DETAILS🧵1/8
#CDR #mCDR #CarbonDioxideRemoval #Bioplastics
DETAILS🧵1/8
2/ The system comprises 3 components:
1️⃣ C extraction
Traditional seawater electrolysis systems often fail within hours due to mineral buildup
To solve this, researchers designed a solid-state electrolysis unit that isolates sensitive ions using membranes & a solid electrolyte
1️⃣ C extraction
Traditional seawater electrolysis systems often fail within hours due to mineral buildup
To solve this, researchers designed a solid-state electrolysis unit that isolates sensitive ions using membranes & a solid electrolyte
3/ The modified design acidifies H2O, converting dissolved C (mainly bicarbonate & carbonate ions) into CO₂ gas for collection.
The prototype operated continuously for 22 days, processing 177 liters of seawater & extracting 6.54L of CO₂, with an energy use of 3 kWh/kg of CO₂.
The prototype operated continuously for 22 days, processing 177 liters of seawater & extracting 6.54L of CO₂, with an energy use of 3 kWh/kg of CO₂.
4/ 2️⃣ Chemical conversion
The recovered CO₂ was catalytically converted into formic acid with over 90% selectivity.
Formic acid serves as a suitable intermediate for microbial processes.
The recovered CO₂ was catalytically converted into formic acid with over 90% selectivity.
Formic acid serves as a suitable intermediate for microbial processes.
5/ 3️⃣ Biological synthesis
Scientists engineered Vibrio natriegens, one of the fastest-growing marine bacteria, to use formic acid as its only C source.
When fed ocean-derived formic acid, it produced succinic acid, a key ingredient for biodegradable plastics & pharmaceuticals
Scientists engineered Vibrio natriegens, one of the fastest-growing marine bacteria, to use formic acid as its only C source.
When fed ocean-derived formic acid, it produced succinic acid, a key ingredient for biodegradable plastics & pharmaceuticals
6/ Summary of the process:
Seawater → CO₂ extraction → CO₂ → formic acid → engineered microbes → succinic acid (bioplastic precursor)
According to researchers, the system is net -ve, it removes CO2, turns it into a useful product & leaves seawater ready to absorb more.
Seawater → CO₂ extraction → CO₂ → formic acid → engineered microbes → succinic acid (bioplastic precursor)
According to researchers, the system is net -ve, it removes CO2, turns it into a useful product & leaves seawater ready to absorb more.
7/ According to the study, the system could operate at an estimated cost of $230 per ton of CO₂, a range comparable to other capture technologies.
Further work will be needed to improve reactor durability and assess large-scale feasibility, according to the study.
Further work will be needed to improve reactor durability and assess large-scale feasibility, according to the study.
📝For more details, read the study entitled "Efficient and scalable upcycling of oceanic carbon sources into bioplastic monomers" here:
#OceanCarbonCapture #CarbonRemoval #ClimateTech #Bioplastics #Research
🧵8/8 nature.com/articles/s4192…
#OceanCarbonCapture #CarbonRemoval #ClimateTech #Bioplastics #Research
🧵8/8 nature.com/articles/s4192…
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