Abstract
Global climate change related to anthropogenic CO2 emissions is one of the most significant challenges for the future of human life on Earth. There are many potential options for reducing or even eliminating atmospheric CO2 emissions including underground sequestration, carbon mineralization and ocean storage. One of the most promising materials for carbon mineralization is Mg(OH)2 which is highly reactive and capable of forming stable carbonates. Here we show a novel low-carbon method of producing Mg(OH)2, from globally abundant olivine-rich silicate rocks. A combination of acid digestion and electrolysis of olivine were used to produce Mg(OH)2 in a fully recoverable system. The use of Mg(OH)2 from olivine provides a viable pathway for significant industrial scale reductions in global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Highlights
Global climate change related to anthropogenic CO2 emissions is one of the most significant challenges for the future of human life on Earth
Urgent action is needed to limit future emissions and sequester existing atmospheric CO2 in order to circumvent issues related to global warming[2]
Carbon mineralization can be further divided into three approaches: (1) ex situ, where the material is transport to the site and reacted with CO2 typically at elevated temperatures and pressures, (2) surficial, using dilute or concentrated CO2, and (3) in situ, where the CO2 is transported to site with suitable geological formations, typically containing serpentine or olivine-bearing basalts[5]
Summary
A total of 35 g of Mg(OH)[2] was produced from 100 g of olivine, with 1 g of Mg(OH)[2] added in the silica precipitation stage. The large-scale and industrial use of strong acids such as HCl have serious consequences if released into the environment This is only an issue if there is a loss of containment from the process. For every tonne of CO2 sequestered as a Mg-carbonate, including nesquehonite and hydromagnesite, 1.3 tonnes of Mg (OH)[2] is required, resulting in an energy consumption 8.17 GJ tonne−1 of CO2 (Fig. 1, see Supplementary Methods for calculations). Our proposed process has the potential to provide a substantial source of energy-efficient, low-carbon Mg (OH)[2] for use in various carbon sequestration techniques currently being developed by other investigators.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
