Work

Cross-scale indirect CO2 mineralization of Fe-rich serpentinite tailings with ammonium sulfate regeneration and flue-gas pilot operation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Indirect CO 2 mineralization of Fe-rich serpentinite tailings was evaluated by connecting ammonium sulfate-assisted activation, Mg-Fe separation, carbonate precipitation and salt crystallization across laboratory, engineering and pilot scales. Under the selected activation conditions, 52.08% of the feed Mg was mobilized, and most dissolved Mg was preserved during NH 3 -assisted purification. Hydrated Mg-carbonate formation was supported by XRD and SEM-EDS, and an ammonium sulfate-containing crystalline stream was recovered downstream. Approximately 92% of the mean laboratory Mg-leaching performance was retained on the 1.6 kg/h engineering line. An independent 125 kg/batch pilot campaign was operated for 72 h using cleaned boiler flue gas. Constraints in kiln operation, solids separation and crystallization were identified during scale transfer. Unit-basis screening calculations were used to examine the sensitivity to evaporation demand and fresh-reagent supply. Cross-scale process connectivity was demonstrated, while Mg-based capacities were treated as conditional inventory estimates. Actual carbonate-carbon retention, repeated reagent reuse and net climate benefit were not established by the available measurements.

Source: Carbon Capture Science & Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ccst.2026.100714

Authors: Yue Hu, Liang Zhao, Jingqi Zhao, Han Hao, Chen Zhu, Jun Chen

Institution: Nanjing University

Language: English

Topic: CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000