Integrating Calcium Looping CO2 Capture with the Manufacture of Cement

CO2 Capture at Medium to High Temperature Using Solid Oxide-Based Sorbents: Fundamental Aspects, Mechanistic Insights, and Recent Advances

Carbon dioxide capture and mitigation form a key part of the technological response to combat climate change and reduce CO₂ emissions. Solid materials capable of reversibly absorbing CO₂ have been the focus of intense research for the past two decades, with promising stability and low energy costs to implement and operate compared to the more widely used liquid amines. In this review, we explore the fundamental aspects underpinning solid CO₂ sorbents based on alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides operating at medium to high temperature: how their structure, chemical composition, and morphology impact their performance and long-term use. Various optimization strategies are outlined to improve upon the most promising materials, and we combine recent advances across disparate scientific disciplines, including materials discovery, synthesis, and in situ characterization, to present a coherent understanding of the mechanisms of CO₂ absorption both at surfaces and within solid materials.

Carbon Capture and Utilization in the Industrial Sector

The fabrication and manufacturing processes of industrial commodities such as iron, glass, and cement are carbon-intensive, accounting for 23% of global CO₂ emissions. As a climate mitigation strategy, CO₂ capture from flue gases of industrial processes-much like that of the power sector-has not experienced wide adoption given its high associated costs. However, some industrial processes with relatively high CO₂ flue concentration may be viable candidates to cost-competitively supply CO₂ for utilization purposes (e.g., polymer manufacturing, etc.). This work develops a methodology that determines the levelized cost ($/tCO₂) of separating, compressing, and transporting carbon dioxide. A top-down model determines the cost of separating and compressing CO₂ across 18 industrial processes. Further, the study calculates the cost of transporting CO₂ via pipeline and tanker truck to appropriately paired sinks using a bottom-up cost model and geo-referencing approach. The results show that truck transportation is generally the low-cost alternative given the relatively small volumes (ca. 100 kt CO₂/a). We apply our methodology to a regional case study in Pennsylvania, which shows steel and cement manufacturing paired to suitable sinks as having the lowest levelized cost of capture, compression, and transportation.