Unraveling carbonation mechanism for enhancing carbon storage through mineralization

Research Project, 2024 – 2026

This project aims to unlock the potential of carbon storage through mineralization by unraveling the dissolution and crystallization mechanisms in carbonation reaction. The carbonation of natural
silicates and industry byproducts holds promise for storing CO2, even surpassing emissions from complete fossil fuel combustion, which also produces eco-friendly cementitious materials. However, gaps in knowledge about how to accelerate the reaction efficiency hinder the widespread adoption of this technology. The project is centered on advancing the fundamental understanding of the carbonation reaction, using cutting-edge experimental techniques such as in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), liquid transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). It will be complemented by atomistic modeling using quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics simulations. The research activities have been planned in five work packages with detailed tasks.  The project will span 2 years, including an 18-month research visit to the world-class team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a 6-month research based at Chalmers University of Technology. The outcomes of this research hold the potential to gain breakthrough in creating innovative technologies for carbon sequestration and production of sustainable cementitious materials, contributing significantly to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).