Electrochemical approaches for CO₂ point source, direct air, and seawater capture: identifying opportunities and synergies

The world is increasingly facing the direct effects of climate change triggering warnings of a crisis for the healthy existence of humankind. The dominant driver of the climate emergency is the historical and continued accumulation of atmospheric CO₂ altering net radiative forcing on the planet. To address this global issue, understanding the core chemistry of CO₂ manipulation in the atmosphere and proximally in the oceans is crucial, to offer a direct partial solution for emissions handling through negative emissions technologies. Many technologies have been proposed to develop a strategic and economic solution for carbon capture, storage, and utilization. In this paper, we review recent advances in technologies proposed for carbon capture and release via electrochemical process for point source/flue gas, direct air capture (DAC), and ocean/seawater capture. Electrochemical approaches to carbon capture are favorable in terms of reaction conditions, their ability to be incorporated into transformation processes, modularity, low relative carbon footprint, and compatibility with the availability of renewable electricity sources. We offer a critical comparative analysis of land- and ocean-based capture technologies to help guide future research and innovation.