Carbon capture and storage in low-carbon concrete using products derived from olivine

A novel process is reported that produces amorphous silica and nesquehonite (MgCO₃·3H₂O) from the magnesium silicate mineral olivine ((Mg, Fe)₂·SiO₄). The amorphous silica forms a supplementary cementitious material for use in concrete. The formation of nesquehonite sequesters carbon making the overall process carbon negative. Nesquehonite can also be used to form low-carbon construction products such as bricks, blocks and boards. This article reports on key process optimization studies. The potential for amorphous precipitated silica derived from olivine to produce carbon-negative concrete is discussed.