Carbon dioxide mineralization process design and evaluation: concepts, case studies, and considerations

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry and Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Natural silicate weathering is a slow process for carbon dioxide removal.
• Numerous engineered carbon dioxide mineralization (CM) processes have been developed to accelerate this natural carbon sequestration method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze ten proposed carbon dioxide mineralization processes.
• To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different CM process designs.
• To provide recommendations for optimizing CM process feasibility.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of CM processes based on four key operational areas: pre-treatment, purification, carbonation, and reagent recycling.
• Analysis of process specifics, including operating and reaction conditions.
• Evaluation of pseudo-catalytic methods (physical and chemical) for rate enhancement.
• Assessment of CM feasibility based on energy consumption, operational considerations, and economic value.

Main Results:

• Ten distinct CM process proposals were analyzed.
• Both physical and chemical pseudo-catalytic methods offer rate enhancement but present unique advantages and challenges.
• Process design effectiveness is contingent on balancing energy use, operational factors, and economic viability.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive evaluation framework for CM processes must integrate energy, operational, and economic aspects.
• Optimal CM process design depends on specific project objectives.
• A flexible, "mix-and-match" approach to process design is likely necessary for developing economically viable CM solutions.