Innovative approaches, challenges, and future directions for utilizing carbon dioxide in sustainable concrete production
Dong Lu, Fulin Qu, Chao Zhang, Yipu Guo, Zhiyu Luo, Lei Xu, Wengui Li
Abstract
Cement concrete presents a significant opportunity for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture, utilization, and storage through carbonation treatment. This process involves carbonating binders, industrial waste materials, and recycled aggregate concrete , which can subsequently be integrated into fresh concrete mixtures. This review focuses on the current research landscape regarding the use of CO 2 in producing low-carbon and sustainable concrete, emphasizing developments over the past decade (2014–2024). The paper begins by outlining the properties of CO 2 and exploring its potential applications within the concrete industry. It then summarizes and compares the various carbonation methods applied to cement concrete and classifies the different approaches to CO 2 utilization in concrete production. Additionally, the review examines the carbonation mechanisms of binders and the development of low-carbon concrete, aiming to enhance the understanding of how carbonized components affect the performance of cement-based materials. Finally, the review explores typical commercialized technologies for CO 2 utilization in producing low-carbon concrete. The discussions and findings presented are anticipated to provide valuable insights into the application of CO 2 in the concrete industry, thereby facilitating the production of low-carbon and sustainable concrete.