Developed by Professor Matthew Kanan and postdoctoral researcher Yuxuan Chen, this technique enhances the natural weathering process of silicate minerals, significantly accelerating carbon capture. Under conventional conditions, silicate minerals absorb atmospheric CO2 over centuries. However, Stanford’s method reduces this timeline to weeks or months by modifying the mineral composition through heat treatment.
Inspired by traditional cement production, the process involves heating calcium oxide with magnesium silicate minerals in kilns, producing reactive magnesium oxide and calcium silicate. When exposed to air and moisture, these materials rapidly bind with CO2, forming stable carbonates that lock away carbon permanently.
This technology presents significant opportunities across multiple industries. In agriculture, researchers are testing the integration of these reactive minerals into soil treatments. As the minerals weather, they release bicarbonates that eventually reach the ocean, contributing to long-term carbon storage. Additionally, calcium silicate in the mix releases plant-available silicon, potentially enhancing crop yields and improving soil resilience—offering a sustainable alternative to traditional liming practices.
Manufacturers could also capitalize on this innovation by incorporating carbon-capturing minerals into existing production lines. Since the process utilizes standard cement kiln designs, companies in the building materials sector could repurpose infrastructure and expertise to scale production. The widespread availability of raw materials, including mining byproducts rich in silicates, supports a feasible supply chain for industrial deployment.
Compared to direct air capture technologies, which rely on energy-intensive filtration systems, Stanford’s mineral-based approach operates with significantly lower energy demands. Early findings indicate that this process requires less than half the energy of leading direct air capture systems, offering a more cost-efficient alternative.
Further efficiency improvements are under development through collaboration with electrical engineering professor Jonathan Fan. The team aims to implement electricity-powered kilns, reducing the carbon footprint of the production process itself and increasing the overall sustainability of this solution.
As corporate sustainability targets drive demand for scalable carbon removal solutions, this innovation provides an alternative to traditional sequestration methods. The ability to leverage existing industrial processes and infrastructure makes this approach particularly appealing for businesses seeking practical and cost-effective carbon capture strategies.
