MgO looping aims to capture CO2 from the atmosphere via repeated carbon mineralization and calcination cycles. PowerGeolab undergraduate researcher Jamie Burnett is conducting research using periclase (MgO) and brucite [Mg(OH)2] powders to evaluate the rates and extents of hydration and carbonation reactions. In addition to quantifying rates, further analyses, including scanning electron microscopy, are being performed to understand carbonate and hydrated mineral phase morphology and thermogravimetric analysis to evaluate the calcination temperatures of the carbonate products. This research aims to elucidate the geochemical reactions involved in the MgO looping process with the underlying goal of improving CO2 removal technologies to mitigate CO2 emissions to combat the effects of climate change.
Batch carbonation tests in an environmental chamber.
Dypingite formed from brucite carbonation.