Factors Influencing CO₂ and Energy Penalties of CO₂ Mineralization Processes

Abstract

Carbon mineralization is one of the carbon capture utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies that can be used to capture large quantities of CO2 and convert it into stable carbonate products that can be stored easily. Several CO2 mineralization processes have been proposed; however, there are no commercial‐scale projects because there are still significant issues that need to be improved before commercialization can take place. In this work, we evaluate the CO2 and energy penalties related to the most well‐known types of mineralization processes developed to date, in which the mineralization reaction takes place directly under aqueous conditions, high pressures and temperatures, and compared these with newer T‐P swing processes and ball‐mill reactor processes, which are under development. The data used in the evaluation are taken from published literature. By comparing the three processes, we identify important variables that contribute to high CO2 and energy penalties so that future research can focus on optimization of these variables. It is observed that slurry concentration (heating) and particle size (grinding) are critical factors, with mineral calcination and operating pressure constituting other important factors.

Chemical Batteries with CO2

“…In no way do such considerations substitute for ac omplete analysis of chemical energy storage processes.H owever,s uch analyses contain so many process-specific values that the results lead to af ew general conclusions.D etailed examinations of this kind can be found in the literature. [11d, 17] Thes tandard enthalpy of formation of CO 2 is,atavalue of À393 kJ mol À1 ,318 kJ mol À1 more negative than the value of methane,which will be used here as ag eneral, or standard, energy carrier.I fC O 2 is allowed to react with atypical base such as Ca(OH) 2 to form the corresponding carbonate,1 207À393 = 814 kJ mol À1 are gained-a significant value for as upposedly low-energy [18] molecule.T his value also illustrates the care required for underground storage of large quantities of CO 2 .A lthough mineralization processes chemically bind the CO 2 ,t hey may also have alarge number of effects on the bedrock.…”

“…[ 11d , 17 ] The standard enthalpy of formation of CO 2 is, at a value of −393 kJ mol −1 , 318 kJ mol −1 more negative than the value of methane, which will be used here as a general, or standard, energy carrier. If CO 2 is allowed to react with a typical base such as Ca(OH) 2 to form the corresponding carbonate, 1207−393=814 kJ mol −1 are gained—a significant value for a supposedly low‐energy [18] molecule. This value also illustrates the care required for underground storage of large quantities of CO 2 .…”

Rock ‘n’ use of CO2: carbon footprint of carbon capture and utilization by mineralization

“…Thus, most available mineralization studies discuss energy consumption. 13,14,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] However, to conrm the environmental benets of CCU by mineralization, a comprehensive and systematic assessment of environmental impacts is required. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic method to assess the environmental impacts of processes by taking into account the entire life cycle of the product from raw material extraction until the nal waste disposal.…”

CO2 Utilization via Direct Aqueous Carbonation of Synthesized Concrete Fines under Atmospheric Pressure

“…This could both save on the required energy input and introduce the possibility of the process being able to proceed without CO 2 purification and pressurization. Moreover, carbonate is more stable than other products derived from CCU applications; , hence, it also provides considerable potential regarding CO 2 sequestration. In addition, carbonates have various other applications and a huge market .…”