Calcium Carbonate Cement: A Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technique

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional cement production is a major source of global CO2 emissions.
• There is a growing need for sustainable building materials with reduced environmental impact.
• Industrial solid waste often requires disposal, presenting environmental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel calcium carbonate cement system using CO2-rich flue gas and industrial waste.
• To mimic natural mineralization processes for cement production.
• To create a carbon-negative and sustainable alternative to conventional cement.

Main Methods:

• Utilized carbon dioxide-containing flue gas and high-calcium industrial solid waste as raw materials.
• Leveraged the polymorphic transformation of vaterite to aragonite for cement reaction.
• Investigated the cement's properties for building material applications.

Main Results:

• Developed a novel calcium carbonate cement system.
• Achieved a compressive strength exceeding 40 MPa.
• Demonstrated potential for rapid curing at elevated temperatures and lower density.
• Identified applications in lightweight fiber cement board and aerated concrete.

Conclusions:

• The novel calcium carbonate cement is an environmentally sustainable alternative.
• The manufacturing process can be carbon negative, capturing more CO2 than emitted.
• The cement's properties offer competitive advantages for building materials.
• This technology provides a viable solution for waste valorization and carbon capture.