This perspective proposes a potential pathway to diminish atmospheric CO₂ accumulations which is distinct from traditional carbon capture and geological sequestration strategies and from existing negative emissions technologies (NETs). Unlike conventional sorbent- or solvent-based CO₂ capture processes where substantial energy expenditures are associated with demixing and desorbing CO₂, the single-step carbon sequestration and storage (sCS²) approach relies on electrolytic carbonate mineral precipitation using renewable energy within a simple and scalable process design. Although numerous approaches have implied electrolysis for carbon management, the sCS² approach is unique in the following ways: (1) CO₂ mineralization for promoting solid carbonate formation: The thermodynamic and kinetic barriers to carbonate precipitation are overcome by direct and in situ electrochemical forcing to stabilize dissolved inorganic carbon and divalent cations [Ca,Mg] to form carbonate minerals. (2) Flow-through membraneless electrolysis: A flowing electrolyte (seawater) is dissociated while in motion. The process utilizes cost-effective mesh electrodes while also decreasing the number of components and assembly steps and reducing the risk of device failure. (3) Integrated electrolytic reactor–rotary drum filter: An electroactive thin-film mesh cathode (eTFC) is suggested to be integrated within a rotary drum filter configuration, allowing for the filtration of dilute and polydispersed mineral precipitates at a low energy cost. These attributes render sCS² as an approach worthy of more detailed evaluation, development, and scaling for global-scale carbon management.

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of our industrial society. It is released into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on the environment. Carbon dioxide management is necessary to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and mitigate the effects of climate change, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. To accomplish this objective realistically, the emissions gap must be closed by 2030. Additionally, 10–20 Gt of CO₂ per year must be removed from the atmosphere within the next century, necessitating large-scale carbon management strategies. The present procedures and technologies for CO₂ carbonation, including direct and indirect carbonation and certain industrial instances, have been explored in length. This paper highlights novel technologies to capture CO₂, convert it to other valuable products, and permanently remove it from the atmosphere. Additionally, the constraints and difficulties associated with carbon mineralization have been discussed. These techniques may permanently remove the CO₂ emitted due to industrial society, which has an unfavorable influence on the environment, from the atmosphere. These technologies create solutions for both climate change and economic development.

Background: Sustainable development requires access to affordable, reliable, and efficient energy to lift billions of people out of poverty and improve their standard of living. The development of new and renewable forms of energy that emit less CO₂ may not materialize quickly enough or at a price point that allows people to attain the standard of living they desire and deserve. As a result, a parallel path to sustainability must be developed that uses both renewable and clean carbon-based methods. Hybrid microgrids are promoted to solve various electrical and energy-related issues that incorporate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics, wind, diesel generation, or a combination of these sources. Utilizing microgrids in electric power generation has several benefits including clean energy, increased grid stability, and reduced congestion. Despite these advantages, microgrids are not frequently deployed because of economic concerns. To address these financial concerns, it is necessary to explore the ideal configuration of microgrids based on the quantity, quality, and availability of sustainable energy sources used to install the microgrid and the optimal design of microgrid components. These considerations are reflected in net present value and levelized energy cost. Methods: HOMER was used to simulate numerous system configurations and select the most feasible solution according to the net present value, levelizied cost of energy and hydrogen, operating cost, and renewable fraction. HOMER performed a repeated algorithm process to determine the most feasible system configuration and parameters with the least economic costs and highest benefits to achieve a practically feasible system configuration. Results: This article aimed to construct a cost-effective microgrid system for Saudi Arabia's Yanbu city using five configurations using excess energy to generate hydrogen. The obtained results indicate that the optimal configuration for the specified area is a hybrid photovoltaic/wind/battery/generator/fuel cell/hydrogen electrolyzer microgrid with a net present value and levelized energy cost of $10.6 billion and $0.15/kWh. Conclusion: With solar photovoltaic and wind generation costs declining, building electrolyzers in locations with excellent renewable resource conditions, such as Saudi Arabia, could become a low-cost hydrogen supply option, even when accounting for the transmission and distribution costs of transporting hydrogen from renewable resource locations to end-users. The optimum configuration can generate up to 32,132 tons of hydrogen per year (tH₂/year), and 380,824 tons per year of CO₂ emissions can be avoided.

A novel photocatalytic reactor was developed to degrade methylene blue in water using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a catalyst and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubing as a transmitter for ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The reactor was operated by continuously flowing the solution through narrow tubes that were exposed to UV radiation. The efficiency of the reactor was evaluated by comparing it to a previous study that used quartz glass tubing. The study also investigated the effects of flow rate, initial concentration, pH, TiO₂ dose and UV radiation without a catalyst on the degradation of methylene blue. The results showed that the FEP tubing was a more efficient UV transmitter than quartz glass. The efficiency of the reactor was also affected by the flow rate and pH of the solution. The highest degradation efficiency was achieved at a flow rate of 10 mL/min and a pH of 7.0. The use of TiO₂ as a catalyst also significantly improved the degradation efficiency, with an almost doubling of the degradation rate when compared to the case without a catalyst. This study demonstrates the potential of the FEP tubing-based photocatalytic reactor for the degradation of methylene blue in water. The reactor is easy to operate and can be scaled up for industrial applications.

This study offers an in-depth analysis and optimization of a microgrid system powered by renewable sources, designed for the efficient production of hydrogen and dimethyl ether—key elements in the transition toward sustainable fuel alternatives. The system architecture incorporates solar photovoltaic modules, advanced battery storage solutions, and electrolytic hydrogen production units, with a targeted reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the enhancement of overall energy efficiency. A rigorous economic analysis was conducted utilizing the HYSYS V12 software platform and encompassing capital and operational expenditures alongside profit projections to evaluate the system’s economic viability. Furthermore, thermal optimization was achieved through heat integration strategies, employing a cascade analysis methodology and optimization via the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS), yielding an 83% decrease in annual utility expenditures. Comparative analysis revealed that the energy requirement of the optimized system was over 50% lower than that of traditional fossil fuel-based reforming processes. A comprehensive assessment of CO₂ emissions demonstrated a significant reduction, with the integration of thermal management solutions facilitating a 99.24% decrease in emissions. The outcomes of this study provide critical insights into the engineering of sustainable, low-carbon energy systems, emphasizing the role of renewable energy technologies in advancing fuel science.