Scientists make mind-blowing breakthrough while studying energy transfer in seawater: 'We could create a circularity' [View all]

Scientists make mind-blowing breakthrough while studying energy transfer in seawater: 'We could create a circularity'

TheCooldown.com | Ren Venkatesh | April 27, 2025

Researchers at Northwestern University recently set out to extract solid minerals from seawater for concrete reinforcement. By splitting water molecules to draw out the mineral precipitate, the team hoped to produce the sand-like or gravel-like material required for concrete development more sustainably.

The university report described the result as a "carbon-negative building material," meaning the team's mineral output removed more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than the process emitted.

As our global temperatures continue to rise as a result of the heat trapped by carbon pollution, discovering ways to capture the carbon dioxide already present in our atmosphere may prove just as important as reducing these emissions.

Revolutionizing the building industry is a huge step in the right direction. Cement production accounts for 8% of global carbon pollution, according to the World Economic Forum. "Depending on the ratio of minerals, the material can hold over half its weight in CO2," added the university report.

While using renewable energy to split water molecules is nothing new — scientists have looked to seawater for "green hydrogen" extraction for years, noted the Advanced Science News journal — the Northwestern team was the first to study the mineral residue from splitting seawater...more
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/splitting-seawater-concrete-carbon-negative/