Concrete is a widely used building material, but its production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have developed a new method to sequester CO2 in concrete using carbonated water. This approach could help reduce the environmental impact of concrete production while maintaining or even enhancing its strength.
Traditional carbonation methods often weaken concrete and require high energy consumption. The new method involves injecting CO2 into a concrete suspension instead of directly into the concrete. This allows for a much greater uptake of CO2, up to 45%, without compromising the concrete’s strength.
The team tested the concrete formed with this new method in the lab and found no significant difference in strength compared to regular concrete. In fact, the strength might even be higher. This means the applications of this green concrete remain the same – it can be used in beams, slabs, columns, foundations, and more.
By converting CO2 into stable carbonate crystals within the concrete, this method not only reduces the carbon footprint of concrete production but also creates long-term carbon storage. The crystals formed are stable and can sequester CO2 for centuries, making this approach a promising solution for sustainable concrete production.
With further optimization and scaling, this method could have a significant impact on reducing the cement industry’s carbon emissions. It also opens up opportunities for research into optimizing the carbonation process for other cementitious materials. Overall, this new approach to green concrete could be a game-changer in the construction industry’s efforts towards sustainability.
