Meng et al. (2023) — Recent Advances in Magnesium-Based Materials: CO2 Sequestration and Utilization, Mechanical Properties and Environmental Impact
Citation
Meng, D., Unluer, C., Yang, E.-H., & Qian, S. (2023). Recent advances in magnesium-based materials: CO2 sequestration and utilization, mechanical properties and environmental impact. Cement and Concrete Composites, 138, 104983.
- DOI:
10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104983 - Atlas layer: core
- Related Victor Li book chapter: Chapter 8: Life Cycle Sustainability & Chapter 9: Green ECC (Carbon-Negative & Reactive MgO Binders, pp. 307–342)
- Source PDF:
meng-2023-co2-sequestration-magnesium-based-binders.pdf - Extracted text:
full_text/meng-2023-co2-sequestration-magnesium-based-binders_full_text.md - Source note:
source_notes/meng-2023-co2-sequestration-magnesium-based-binders_source_note.md
Why this paper matters
A comprehensive state-of-the-art review from Nanyang Technological University and the University of Glasgow establishing the thermodynamic and mechanical foundation of reactive MgO and magnesium oxychloride binders for permanent $\text{CO}_2$ mineralization, documenting a theoretical carbon sequestration capacity of 110 wt% (vs. 46–58 % for OPC) and net-negative carbon potential.
Main contribution
- Synthesizes carbon sequestration and mineralization mechanisms across reactive MgO cement (RMC), magnesium oxychloride (MOC), magnesium oxysulfate (MOS), and magnesium phosphate cements (MPC).
- Quantifies the thermodynamic carbon capture potential: RMC possesses a theoretical maximum $\text{CO}_2$ capture capacity of 110 % by weight of MgO (substantially outperforming OPC at 46–58 %).
- Clarifies low-energy manufacturing advantages: RMC is calcined at $700\text{--}1000\ ^\circ\text{C}$ (dry route) or $500\text{--}700\ ^\circ\text{C}$ from seawater/reject brine brucite (wet route), compared to $1450\ ^\circ\text{C}$ for OPC clinker.
- Maps carbonate phase formation (nesquehonite, dypingite, hydromagnesite) and shows that carbonation densification elevates compressive strength up to 60–90 MPa.
- Provides comprehensive cradle-to-gate LCA comparisons proving that fully carbonated RMC achieves net cradle-to-gate emissions as low as $264\text{ kg CO}_2\text{-eq/t}$ (or net carbon-negative with renewable power).
Evidence summary
- Binder Formulations Analyzed: RMC, MOC, MOS, BMS, MPC, RMS.
- Thermodynamics & Carbon Sequestration:
- Theoretical $\text{CO}_2$ sequestration capacity: RMC = 110 wt%; OPC = 46–58 wt%.
- Calcination temperature: RMC (seawater brine) = $500\text{--}700\ ^\circ\text{C}$; RMC (magnesite) = $700\text{--}1000\ ^\circ\text{C}$; OPC clinker = $1450\ ^\circ\text{C}$.
- Carbonation Reaction Products:
- Nesquehonite ($\text{MgCO}_3\cdot 3\text{H}_2\text{O}$)
- Dypingite ($\text{Mg}_5(\text{CO}_3)_4(\text{OH})_2\cdot 5\text{H}_2\text{O}$)
- Hydromagnesite ($\text{Mg}_5(\text{CO}_3)_4(\text{OH})_2\cdot 4\text{H}_2\text{O}$)
- Magnesite ($\text{MgCO}_3$)
- Mechanical Strength Gain: Carbonation curing elevates RMC compressive strength from $< 20\text{ MPa}$ to 50–90 MPa within 6–24 hours of accelerated exposure.
- Net Carbon Balance: Cradle-to-gate net emissions drop to $264\text{ kg CO}_2\text{-eq/t}$ after full carbonation.
Linked Atlas nodes
04_material_systems/green_ecc.md02_concepts/embodied_carbon.md02_concepts/circular_economy_materials.md02_concepts/life_cycle_analysis.md
Relationship to Victor Li book
- Extends Victor Li (2019) Chapter 8 (Life Cycle Sustainability) and Chapter 9 (Green ECC).
- Establishes the scientific basis for integrating carbon-mineralizing reactive MgO binders into strain-hardening ductile composites to transform ECC from a low-carbon material into an active carbon sink.
Claim-evidence rows to add
| Atlas node | Claim | Evidence summary | Page/Figure/Table | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02_concepts/embodied_carbon.md |
Reactive MgO cement exhibits a theoretical $\text{CO}_2$ sequestration capacity of 110 wt%, more than double that of Portland cement (46–58 wt%) | Stoichiometric and thermodynamic review of carbonation mineralization | Section 1 & 3, Fig. 2-5, Table 2 | verified_from_pdf |
04_material_systems/green_ecc.md |
Accelerated carbonation curing transforms reactive MgO into hydromagnesite and dypingite, lifting compressive strength to 50–90 MPa | Microstructural analysis and compilation of RMC mechanical strength evolution | Section 3.2 & 4.1, Fig. 6-10, Table 3 | verified_from_pdf |
Verification status
- PDF preserved: yes (
meng-2023-co2-sequestration-magnesium-based-binders.pdf) - Text extracted: yes (
full_text/meng-2023-co2-sequestration-magnesium-based-binders_full_text.md) - DOI verified: yes (
10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104983) - Metadata verified: yes (Cem. Concr. Compos., Vol. 138, 104983, 2023)
- Claim-evidence matrix ready: yes
Cautions
- Uncarbonated magnesium oxychloride and oxysulfate cements suffer from poor water resistance and leaching of magnesium hydroxychloride phases; complete carbonation curing or protective coating is necessary for outdoor exposure.
- Magnesium-based binders exhibit lower pH than OPC, which requires caution regarding rebar passivation in conventionally reinforced members.