In the quest to make carbon capture more efficient, researchers have developed a novel method to evaluate the effectiveness of chemicals used to extract calcium, a key player in the indirect carbonation process. This technique, which accelerates carbonation in materials like hydroxides, slags, or cement, could significantly impact the energy sector’s ability to capture and store carbon dioxide.
The study, led by Zian Tang from the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, introduces a chemical equilibrium-based evaluation method to streamline the selection of calcium extraction reagents (CERs). This method considers factors such as pH, calcium-complex stability constants, ligand concentration, and solubility product constants, providing a concentration-based or dimensionless evaluation index.
“Selecting the optimal reagent for calcium extraction has often been a time-consuming process,” Tang explained. “Our method aims to simplify this by providing a more straightforward evaluation index.”
To validate their method, the researchers conducted carbonation tests using six different ligands and compared their practical acceleration performance on calcium hydroxide, steel slag, and cement with the calculated outcomes. The findings showed that the method accurately predicts CER performance in simple systems like calcium hydroxide and qualitatively evaluates CERs in more complex systems like steel slag and cement.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. By accelerating the carbonation process, this method could enhance the efficiency of carbon capture technologies, making them more viable for large-scale implementation. Moreover, the researchers have developed a user-friendly program to assist in CER evaluation, further simplifying the pre-screening process.
“This research not only advances our understanding of indirect carbonation but also provides practical tools for industry professionals,” Tang added.
The study was published in the journal “Carbon Capture Science and Technology,” a publication that focuses on the latest advancements in carbon capture technologies. As the energy sector continues to grapple with the challenges of reducing carbon emissions, innovations like this one could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of carbon capture and storage.
The research underscores the importance of continued investment in carbon capture technologies and highlights the potential for chemical engineering to drive significant improvements in this field. As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, such advancements will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape.