Scientists are making progress in technology that produces hydrogen and captures CO₂ in rock formations

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an experimental method capable of combining two of the main agendas of the global energy transition: the geological production of hydrogen and the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in basaltic rocks. The study, conducted with alkaline basalts from the Balcones Igneous Province in Texas, reinforces the potential of mafic formations as strategic assets for a low-carbon economy, expanding scientific interest in natural energy generation solutions associated with mineral carbon sequestration.

Basalts could become a natural platform for clean energy and decarbonization.

The research analyzed interactions between rock, water, and gases under controlled conditions of high pressure and temperature, simulating deep geological environments. The experiments demonstrated that the presence of CO₂, associated with the use of nickel chloride (NiCl₂) as a catalyst, significantly increased the abiotic generation of hydrogen (H₂), while also promoting the formation of carbonate minerals responsible for the permanent mineralization of carbon.

This work expands the understanding of chemical reactions in mafic rocks—less studied than ultramafic systems associated with serpentinization—and indicates that basalts rich in iron, aluminum, and alkalis may play a strategic role in the future global energy infrastructure. Beyond the potential for producing hydrogen of geological origin, the results suggest relevant applications in carbon capture and storage (CCS), creating an integrated model for clean energy and climate mitigation.

In a context of a global search for sustainable alternatives to the use of fossil fuels, the discovery strengthens the prospect of using natural geological resources as simultaneous instruments for industrial decarbonization and long-term energy security.

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