Developing an atomic-level understanding of the mechanisms that govern CO₂ sequestration mineral carbonation reaction processes

Mineral carbonation is an emerging CO₂ sequestration candidate technology, which produces environmentally benign and geologically stable materials. The primary challenge is economically viable process development. Serpentine and olivine minerals are candidate feedstock materials of interest, due to their wide availability, low-cost, and rapid mineral carbonation potential. Cost-effectively enhancing their carbonation reactivity is critical to reducing mineral sequestration process cost. We will discuss our recent research into the mechanisms that govern serpentine and olivine mineral carbonation reaction processes, including in situ observations of the mineral carbonation process and a novel mechanistic approach to enhance carbonation reactivity that avoids the cost of mineral activation. Our goal is to develop the necessary atomic-level understanding to engineer improved carbonation materials and processes to reduce process cost.