Zhang et al. (2025): Hidden Acidification Challenges in Electrochemical Ocean Decarbonization
Wei Zhang, Adnan Ozden, Yu Yang, Aoni Xu, Fengwang Li, IN: ACS Energy Letters, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c00900
Electrochemical direct ocean capture (eDOC) is an emerging methodology for carbon capture. However, our comprehensive thermodynamic and initial kinetic analyses reveal critical challenges inherent in the electrochemical pH-swing process. Specifically, the mixture of treated ocean water post-eDOC fails to achieve complete neutralization, resulting in unintended ocean acidification. This issue stems from the disproportionate impacts of acidification and alkalinization on dissolved inorganic carbon dynamics and hydroxide precipitation.