Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into an exciting breakthrough in battling climate change with a cool twist—batteries inspiring new carbon capture tech.

Imagine capturing CO2 from the air at a fraction of what it usually costs. Well, a startup called RepAir Carbon is making that happen by developing an innovative system that costs around $70 to $80 per metric ton, a huge drop compared to traditional methods costing about $600.

This cutting-edge approach takes a page from battery technology. Unlike typical techniques that rely on heating solvents to release captured CO2, RepAir’s device uses electricity to do the job. Think of it as a fancy fuel cell that continuously works without downtime, thanks to its reversible process, leveraging electrodes and membranes to attract and release CO2 efficiently.

The potential here is massive. They’re already chatting with energy developers to integrate this tech into gas turbines and cut emissions from power stations and data centers. RepAir recently snagged a $15 million boost from big investors, emphasizing how promising this battery-inspired method is for a greener future.

Picture a device where air passes over electrodes, capturing CO2 with hydroxide ions and then releasing it by reversing the process. This clever design means the device can regenerate on the fly, keeping performance high and costs low—quite a feat in carbon capture tech!

TechCrunch’s climate reporter, Tim De Chant, points out that this innovation not only slashes costs but could also revolutionize how we handle carbon removal on a large scale, making it more accessible and practical for companies big and small.