Review of CO2 capture in construction-related industry and their utilization

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest CO2 emitters worldwide. This review outlines all existing CO2 capture technologies in the construction-related industry which are mainly found in the cement, steel, iron and construction material production industry. This review found that carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is the preferred alternative for carbon capture in the construction-related industry due to its ability to produce value-added products. Among the CCU pathways, alternatives that capture CO2via carbon mineralization have received the most attention due to their capabilities to valorize industrial waste to produce carbonate products. Unlike the production of liquid CO2, hydrogen, purified CO2 and biofuels from the majority of the carbon capture system (excluding hydroxide absorption and accelerated carbonation system), carbonate products can be directly utilized for construction application, reducing costs associated with product transportation. Although CCU technologies have potential sustainable carbon-capturing processes, outlined barriers such as high operating cost, low CO2 capture capabilities and low maturity hinder their commercialization. To overcome these limitations, continuous development is crucial. Recommendations for the development of CCU technologies such as the creation of standards for carbonate products, incorporation of promoters or hybrid mixing, integration of IR 4.0’ principles and process intensification into existing CCU technologies are deliberately discussed.