Scientists Turn Seawater into Carbon-Neutral Building Material
Scientists have discovered a promising method to combat climate change by turning seawater into a carbon-neutral building material. The process, developed by a team led by Alessandro Rotta Loria, converts carbon dioxide into minerals that can replace cement and sand in construction.
The process involves applying electricity to seawater, which triggers a reaction with carbon dioxide and seawater ions. This results in the formation of minerals that can be used in the construction sector, such as for cement, concrete, plasters, and paints. The minerals produced can have varying compositions, sizes, shapes, and porosities, depending on the experimental conditions.
The process, known as electrodeposition, holds great potential for large-scale deployment. It can be controlled and upscaled, especially when located near ocean and seawater sources. This is particularly significant as the oceans currently absorb nearly a third of the atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, it's important to note that the authors of the 2025 article on this topic in Advanced Sustainable Systems are not publicly disclosed.
This innovative method offers a dual benefit: it helps reduce carbon emissions by converting carbon dioxide into useful minerals, and it addresses the environmental impact of sand mining for concrete production, which currently erodes coasts, destroys habitats, and impacts fisheries. With further research and development, this carbon-negative building material could significantly contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
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