Mineral carbonation for permanent CO2 sequestration: Materials, mechanisms, and waste valorization

Carbon capture and storage using mineralization has emerged as a promising approach for permanent sequestration of CO 2 by converting CO 2 into stable carbonates via reactions with Ca-, Fe-, and Mg- bearing minerals. This study performs a comparative review of carbonation performance and mineral carbonation using natural silicate rocks and industrial waste materials, with their reaction mechanisms, material reactivity, and processing. CO 2 sequestration pathways, carbonation kinetics, and the influence of key process parameters such as particle size, temperature, pressure, and pH are discussed in this study. Particular focus is given to the performance of carbonated basalt rocks, quarry dust, fly ash, steel slag, and other industrial residues by focusing on waste valorization and carbon capture. Advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), along with total and dissolved inorganic carbon analysis, Isotope tracing, and mass balance equilibrium equations, are also discussed to assess carbonation performance and long-term storage. Additionally, this paper identifies the practical challenges related to transport emissions and energy demanding process. Recent field-scale tests on carbon capture, usage, and storage projects are also discussed to assess their potential and opportunities for future adoption. The review finds that the integration of mineral carbonation with industrial waste utilization and sustainable construction applications has the potential to permanently capture carbon, enabling the growth of the circular economy and low-carbon infrastructure development.