Approaches for CO2 Capture and Sequestration Inspired by Biological Systems

In this study, several process alternatives for the permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as solid carbonates are evaluated. Although the formation of mineral carbonates is thermodynamically favorable, it does not occur significantly because of kinetic limitations and the formation of products that hinder the evolution of the process. In the complete paper, the authors propose biomimicking approaches to precipitate solid carbonates while limiting the amount of energy required or using the byproducts to generate valuable materials.

Introduction

Permanent sequestration of CO₂ as solid carbonates is a feasible solution to the increased levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Mineral carbonation—the process of capturing CO₂ in the atmosphere in the form of solid carbonates through the reaction of CO₂ with silicates—is a spontaneous, thermodynamically favorable process.