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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
11:14
Two-way Valorization of Blast Furnace Slag: Synthesis of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate and Zeolitic Heavy Metal Adsorbent
Published on: February 21, 2017
Ex situ aqueous mineral carbonation
Stephen J Gerdemann1, William K O'Connor, David C Dahlin
1National Energy Technology Laboratory, 1450 Queen Avenue SW, Albany, Oregon 97321, USA. Steve.Gerdemann@NETL.DOE.GOV
Environmental Science & Technology
|April 19, 2007
Summary
Ex situ mineral carbonation uses silicate minerals to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2). While costs improved, large-scale operations may be impractical due to mineral requirements.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ex situ mineral carbonation is explored for carbon dioxide sequestration.
- This process involves reacting silicate minerals with gaseous CO2 to form stable carbonate minerals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ex situ mineral carbonation as a CO2 sequestration strategy.
- To assess resource availability, reaction kinetics, process development, and economic viability.
Main Methods:
- Investigated reactions of Ca-, Fe-, and Mg-silicate minerals with CO2.
- Conducted resource evaluation, kinetic studies, and process development.
- Performed economic analysis, including initial and improved cost estimations.
Main Results:
- Achieved a reduction in estimated sequestration cost from approximately $69/ton to $54/ton of CO2.
- Identified significant mineral requirements (55,000 tons) for large-scale operations.
Conclusions:
- Ex situ mineral carbonation offers a pathway for CO2 sequestration through stable mineral formation.
- The substantial mineral quantities needed for industrial-scale carbonation, particularly for coal-fired power plants, may present practical limitations.
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