Innovative strategies for accelerating carbonation: unraveling the catalytic potential of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Innovative lime-based plaster and render formulations integrating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as additives were explored to advance carbon neutrality in lime production and application. Inspired by the catalytic efficiency of natural carbonic anhydrase, MOFs' potential to enhance carbonation in lime water and pastes was investigated. Four MOF groups—UiO-66/UiO-66(NH2), ZIF-L, ZIF-EC-1, and MOF-808—were synthesized to facilitate CO2 sequestration via atmospheric carbonation curing. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and ion-selective electrode titration were used to evaluate MOFs' influence on carbonation kinetics, calcium carbonate nucleation, and phase evolution in lime water. The degree of carbonation in the lime pastes with MOF additives was examined over three months. Results indicated enhanced kinetics of amorphous calcium carbonate formation and its transformation into calcite with MOFs. This research underscores MOFs' catalytic potential in lime carbonation, with significant implications for reducing CO2 emissions in the lime industry.