A Seattle-based startup called Banyu Carbon has made significant strides in tackling the urgent issue of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. While existing methods of carbon removal often require substantial energy consumption and can be costly, Banyu Carbon’s groundbreaking technology offers a sustainable and low-energy solution.
Banyu’s innovative approach involves harnessing the power of sunlight and seawater to remove carbon dioxide from the air. The key component of their technology is a unique molecule known as a “reversible photoacid”. When exposed to sunlight, this molecule releases acidifying protons, which subsequently transform dissolved carbon dioxide in seawater into a gas that can be easily captured and stored.
What sets Banyu’s solution apart from others is its low energy requirements and cost-effectiveness. By using sunlight and seawater as primary resources, the process is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Furthermore, the reversible photoacid molecules can be reused, ensuring a sustainable and long-lasting carbon removal method.
The promising potential of Banyu’s technology has caught the attention of investors, resulting in significant funding. To date, Banyu has raised approximately $8.5 million, with notable support from the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
According to Cyril Yee, the Director of the Grantham Foundation, Banyu’s solution stands out as the only one known to be energy positive. This distinction makes their technology an attractive option for addressing the challenge of carbon removal without exacerbating the current energy crisis. While there may be engineering challenges to overcome, the progress made by Banyu Carbon offers hope for a sustainable and effective solution to mitigate the effects of carbon dioxide on our planet.