Chinese Researchers Develop Ocean Carbon Recycling System to Produce Biodegradable Plastic Feedstock
Chinese researchers have developed a carbon recycling system that captures CO2 from the ocean and converts it into succinic acid, a feedstock for biodegradable plastics, achieving 70% carbon capture efficiency during over 530 hours of operation in Shenzhen Bay. Led by GAO Xiang and XIA Chuan, the process utilizes an electrochemical reactor and marine bacteria, with a cost of $230 per metric ton of CO2, and can be integrated with offshore renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability.
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Chinese researchers have developed a carbon recycling system that captures oceanic carbon dioxide and converts it into succinic acid, a feedstock for biodegradable plastics. The system operated in Shenzhen Bay for over 530 hours, achieving a 70% carbon capture efficiency.
Led by GAO Xiang and XIA Chuan, the project demonstrates the complete process from marine CO2 capture to usable chemical feedstock, costing $230 per metric ton of CO2. The process involves an electrochemical reactor that splits water and separates CO2, which is then reduced to formic acid using a bismuth-based catalyst.
A marine bacterium, Vibrio natriegens, ferments the formic acid into succinic acid. The modular system can also produce various chemicals, contributing to a low-carbon economy. Researchers suggest integrating the system with offshore renewable energy sources to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
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