Fundamental Studies of Above Ground and Geologic Mineral Sequestration Reactions
Project # 49015

Primary Performing Organization
Argonne National Laboratory

This project addresses the subject of mineral carbonation in the context of carbon sequestration. Mineral carbonation processes have the potential to permanently dispose of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in geologically stable mineral carbonate rocks that will not require the continuous monitoring required with many other CO₂ sequestration technologies. Mineral carbonation also can be an important mechanism of trapping CO₂ within a geologic formation. Mineral carbonation processes, however, continue to be uneconomical.

In this project mineral-H₂O-CO₂ reaction mechanisms fundamental to both above-ground and below-ground mineral sequestration are being studied to develop the atomic level understanding necessary to lower above ground process cost and improve below ground sequestration stability.

Another goal of this project is to investigate the fluid-solid reaction mechanisms, product phase equilibriums and stability, and fluid speciation, activity and transport that govern the potential that Mg-rich slurry injection offers to enhance seal integrity of saline aquifers for CO₂ sequestration via controlled carbonation.

Contact:
Project Manager: David Lang, david.lang@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Coming Soon!