Evaluation of CO₂ capture efficiency through mineralization with sodium carbonate

Abstract

This paper entitled “Evaluation of CO₂ capture efficiency through mineralization with sodium carbonate” provides an overview of the capture of carbon dioxide from flue gases, addressing aspects related to carbonation or CO₂ mineralization reactions.

First, the authors emphasize the importance of evaluating CO₂ capture methods in the context of climate change, as a basis for transforming this gas into a value-added product: sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).

One of the central aspects of the work is the design of a semi-batch setup with a borosilicate reactor, a gas diffuser and acid-base titration to quantify carbonates and bicarbonates, demonstrating that it is possible to capture CO₂ using sodium carbonate in aqueous solution under near-ambient conditions. This enables applications in flue gas simulation with a molar composition of 15% CO₂.

Additionally, results are presented showing that, at a flow rate of 228 ml/min, all the added carbonate reacts completely in approximately 90 minutes, with a constant capture rate over time.

Finally, the study discusses challenges related to the experimental gap on this topic, including unstudied variables such as bubble residence time and optimal reactor design, and highlights the importance of opening new research areas on the use of minerals for CO₂ capture