A review of next-generation alkaline-based carbonation technologies for integrated CO₂ capture, brine management, and resource recovery

• Presents a comprehensive review of next-generation alkaline carbonation technologies. • Integrates CO₂ capture with brine desalination and resource recovery innovations. • Evaluates alternative bases, waste-derived reagents, biochar, and biopolymers. • Assesses catalytic advances including metal oxides, nanoparticles, SACs, and MOFs. • Electrochemical intensification (ED, BMED, EC) for chemical self-sufficiency. Alkaline-based carbonation technologies have emerged as versatile platforms for CO₂ capture, mineralization, and resource recovery in response to the growing demand for low-carbon industrial processes and sustainable brine management. This review provides a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary synthesis of chemical, electrochemical, catalytic, and materials-based innovations in next-generation alkaline carbonation systems, including modified Solvay-based processes, for CO₂ capture, brine desalination, and resource recovery. These systems encompass electrochemically regenerated alkalinity, waste-derived alkaline reagents, hybrid carbonation–electro conversion pathways, and catalytic carbonation strategies. The review examines different alkalinity sources, electrochemical pathways, and advanced materials, focusing on their roles in improving process efficiency and selectivity. Electrochemical approaches are highlighted for their ability to generate alkalinity in situ and reduce reliance on external chemical inputs. Recent material innovations further expand the technological scope and improve system performance. CO₂ capture efficiencies and effective ion removal have been reported across various system configurations. System performance is strongly influenced by operating conditions, energy inputs, and scalability constraints. These systems also enable resource recovery and support circular economy approaches. Collectively, this review consolidates fragmented progress into a unified framework, identifying the key bottlenecks, scaling considerations, mechanistic insights, and techno-economic trends that will shape next-generation alkaline carbonation systems. The findings position the modified Solvay process as a versatile, industrially relevant, and environmentally aligned platform capable of advancing global CO₂ mitigation and sustainable brine management. These findings highlight key trade-offs between efficiency, energy demand, and long-term stability. Next-Generation Alkaline Carbonation Technologies for Integrated CO 2 Capture, Brine Management, and Resource Recovery