Cement production is known for being a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for about 8 percent of total CO2 emissions worldwide. However, a groundbreaking new technique using seawater splitting might hold the key to transforming cement production from a carbon source to a carbon sink. This could potentially make the production of cement and other building materials, such as paint, plaster, and concrete, carbon-negative. The process involves using seawater electrolysis to generate hydrogen gas, chlorine gas, oxygen, and minerals like calcium carbonate, a crucial component in cement manufacture. Researchers at Northwestern University, in collaboration with Cemex's innovation development branch, are at the forefront of developing this 'greener' cement. By fine-tuning the conditions of seawater electrolysis through experiments, the team has demonstrated the ability to customize the properties of the precipitating minerals, making them suitable for various construction applications. If powered by renewable energy sources, these materials could not only be carbon-neutral but also have the potential to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for thousands of years, offering a sustainable solution to the environmental impact of cement production.