CO2 utilization for cementitious materials - A review
Seong Ho Han, Jae Hong Kim, Rohitashva Kumar Singh, Surendra P. Shah
Abstract
This review examines methods for utilizing CO 2 in construction materials to reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete production. Key approaches include direct carbonation of calcium silicates through CO 2 curing, use of industrial by-products as supplementary cementitious materials activated by carbonation, production of alternative binders and aggregates via CO 2 treatment of waste materials, injection of CO 2 into fresh concrete mixtures, and use of CO 2 -dissolved mixing water. Both academic research and emerging commercial technologies are covered. While these methods show promise for enhancing material properties and sequestering CO 2 , challenges remain in optimizing reaction conditions, ensuring long-term durability, and scaling up processes. The review concludes that CO 2 utilization presents a multi-faceted opportunity to create more sustainable construction materials while sequestering greenhouse gases, but further research and development is needed to fully realize its potential for decarbonizing the cement and concrete industry. Overall, these approaches offer innovative pathways to address the significant environmental impact of construction materials production.