Top Figure: Laboratory test setup: the carbonation of RCA using CO2 in the small-scale reaction chamber. Bottom Figure: The carbonation of RCA using CO2 in the large-scale reaction chamber by the project team.

Project Description

The overall objectives of this project are to identify the optimum processes to maximize carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration, enhance the efficiency of carbon mineralization, improve the technology readiness of carbon mineralization, and build and advance the required industrial waste concrete base. This project is based on preliminary research done by the University of Nebraska- Lincoln that determined that the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) could be significantly improved after the carbonation reaction with CO₂ in the project team's specially designed small- and large-scale reaction chambers.

Project Benefits

Improving the quality of the RCA resource base and carbon sequestration capacity via the carbonation of RCA in the ex-situ mineralization setting adds economic value and lessens the environmental burden on natural quarries and landfill management with the potential to disrupt the stone aggregate industry in a positive way while reducing the burden on construction and demolition waste management. The project team developed a Community Benefits Plan that promotes diversity in hiring and outreach, and local workforce development in minority and/or underrepresented groups.

Presentations, Papers, and Publications

• Resource Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Storage via Accelerated Carbonation Reaction with Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) (Aug 2024)
  2024 FECM / NETL Carbon Management Research Project Review Meeting Presentation - Carbon Transport & Storage Presentation
• Community Benefits Plan - Initial Assistance & Validation Meeting (Nov 2023)
  The Assistance & Validation process supports the Recipient’s efforts to address the project’s societal considerations and impacts (SCI) and fosters transparency and credibility of SCI investments to external audiences. Assistance & Validation is a cooperative effort between the Recipient and the DOE team administering the award.
• Community Benefits Plan (Nov 2023)
  The Community Benefits Plan (CBP) for this project consists primarily of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) goals described in the Recipient’s application. The Recipient seeks to improve year-to-year measures of team diversity and remove barriers for students underrepresented in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
• Resource Assessment for Carbon Dioxide Storage via Accelerated Carbonation Reaction with Recycled Conrete Aggregates (RCA) (Aug 2023)
  2023 FECM/NETL Carbon Management Research Project Review Meeting - Carbon Transport & Storage Presentation

Contact Information