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Multiscale Process Intensification of Waste Valorization Reactions.
Rafael M Santos1, Ning Zhang2, Reza Bakhshoodeh3
1School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|September 15, 2023
Summary
This research develops intensified chemical processes for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration using industrial wastes. It overcomes reaction limitations through multiscale engineering, advancing sustainable waste utilization and CO2 capture technologies.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Slurry reactions involving solid waste and fluids face challenges like mass transfer limitations and unfavorable thermodynamics, leading to slow rates and high costs.
- Traditional methods for overcoming these limitations are often environmentally detrimental and unfeasible for industrial-scale waste valorization.
- There is a critical need for sustainable solutions in treating and utilizing industrial, urban, and agricultural wastes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop intensified and sustainable chemical processes for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration.
- To synergistically utilize industrial, urban, and agricultural wastes in these processes.
- To overcome reaction rate limitations in slurry reactions through multiscale engineering and process intensification.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale experiments to test and refine multiscale process intensification strategies.
- Thermodynamic and computational modeling to support experimental work.
- Advanced characterization techniques to elucidate reaction and transport mechanisms.
- Development of nanoscale reaction models and micro- to macroscale process models.
Main Results:
- Investigated various mineral carbonation processes, including brine carbonation, enhanced weathering, gas-(wet) solid, aqueous, and supercritical accelerated carbonation.
- Explored the production of valuable products like organomineral fertilizers and zeolites.
- Assessed mineral reactivity for optimal feedstock-process matching to maximize net carbon sequestration.
- Successfully translated engineered accelerated weathering and carbonation into enhanced rock weathering (ERW) for agriculture, aiding commercial deployment.
Conclusions:
- The developed multiscale process intensification approaches effectively overcome reaction rate limitations in slurry reactions.
- These strategies enable sustainable CO2 sequestration and waste valorization, reducing environmental impact.
- Encourages adoption of process intensification for green transition in chemical, metallurgical, and minerals industries.
- Potential for broader application in other sectors to reduce energy and carbon intensity.
