Serpentinite Carbonation for CO_2 Sequestration

摘要

Serpentinites offer a highly reactive feedstock for carbonation reactions and the capacity to sequester carbon dioxide (CO_2) on a global scale. CO_2 can be sequestered in mined serpentinite using high-temperature carbonation reactors, by carbonating alkaline mine wastes, or by subsurface reaction through CO_2 injection into serpentinite-hosted aquifers and serpentinized peridotites. Natural analogues to serpentinite carbonation, such as exhumed hydrothermal systems, alkaline travertines, and hydromagnesite-magnesite playas, provide insights into geochemical controls on carbonation rates that can guide industrial CO_2 sequestration. The upscaling of existing technologies that accelerate serpentinite carbonation may prove sufficient for offsetting local industrial emissions, but global-scale implementation will require considerable incentives and further research and development.