A review of CO2 mineral storage: Current processes, typical applications, and life cycle assessment

Abstract

Global warming is primarily driven by CO₂ emissions. Mineral carbon sequestration, a form of permanent carbon storage, has the potential to capture and store CO₂ in a single step. This study first reviews the CO₂ mineralization processes of various raw materials, emphasizing the effects of different activation methods on mineralization efficiency in direct carbonation. It also examines the mechanisms, conditions, and extraction efficiencies of different extractants in indirect carbonation. The primary application areas of mineralization technology are then discussed, highlighting the potential of industrial solid waste for producing mineralized building materials and enhancing material properties. In the field of batteries, this technology can facilitate the recovery of battery metals from minerals and leverage the mineralized energy for power generation. Finally, this study summarizes the carbon emission footprints, as well as the environmental and human impacts of CO₂ mineralization technology in industrial processes, based on current life cycle assessment research. The main challenges and future research directions for improving both the processes and applications of this technology are also proposed.