Stanford Scientists Discover Method for Rapid CO2 Absorption by Rocks

Stanford University scientists have developed a cost-effective method to accelerate carbon dioxide absorption by rocks. This process transforms common minerals into materials that spontaneously capture and permanently store CO2 from the atmosphere. The approach, inspired by cement-making, involves heating minerals to trigger an ion-exchange reaction, creating magnesium oxide and calcium silicate. These alkaline minerals react rapidly with CO2, transforming into carbonate minerals within hours under lab conditions and weeks to months when exposed to air. Matthew Kanan, a study author, highlights the scalability of this solution, leveraging Earth's abundant mineral resources. Lead author Yuxuan Chen emphasized the unexpected success of activating inert silicate minerals through a simple ion-exchange reaction. The method holds potential for large-scale CO2 capture, envisioning the spread of magnesium oxide and calcium silicate across land areas to actively remove CO2 from the air.