Recycled CO₂ carbon composites for high-speed, carbon-negative marine vessels

The imperative for decarbonizing maritime transport coincides with growing demand for high-performance marine vessels in both military and civilian sectors. This paper explores the transformative potential of recycled CO₂ carbon fiber composites for marine applications, synthesizing recent advances in CO₂-to-fiber technology. We explore how electrochemically synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers derived from captured CO₂ can serve as high-performance nanoscale reinforcements, offering excellent specific strength and stiffness that exceed those of many conventional materials, enabling revolutionary advances in naval architecture. When powered by renewable energy, this carbon-negative manufacturing pathway sequesters atmospheric CO₂ into durable marine structures while delivering critical performance advantages when used in hierarchical composites: up to 40–60% structural-weight reduction versus steel (consistent with advanced CFRP), together with improved durability, 15–25% higher speeds at equivalent power in high-speed craft, extended range, and enhanced survivability. Techno-economic projections indicate that scaled production could become competitive with conventional aerospace-grade PAN fiber (currently ∼$15–30/kg), positioning CO₂-derived composites as a strategic material for next-generation surface vessels. Additionally, we explore the integration of digital twin technologies and AI-driven design optimization to further enhance structural efficiency and lifecycle management.