Ping Li1, Shu-Yuan Pan2,3, Silu Pei2, Yupo J. Lin3, Pen-Chi Chiang 1,2,4

  • 1 School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China
  • 2 Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10673, Taiwan
  • 3 Energy Systems Division, Argonne National Laboratory, IL 60439, USA
  • 4 Carbon Cycle Research Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10672, Taiwan

Received: December 25, 2015
Revised: March 6, 2016
Accepted: April 6, 2016
Download Citation: ||https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2015.12.0698  

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Cite this article:
Li, P., Pan, S.Y., Pei, S., Lin, Y.J. and Chiang, P.C. (2016). Challenges and Perspectives on Carbon Fixation and Utilization Technologies: An Overview. Aerosol Air Qual. Res. 16: 1327-1344. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2015.12.0698


HIGHLIGHTS

  • State-of-the-art carbon capture, storage, utilization, and conversion was reviewed.
  • Carbon capture processes, such as absorption and chemical looping, are illustrated.
  • Various types of chemicals and fuels produced from CO2 or other form are discussed.
  • Two approaches, i.e., microalgae ponds and accelerated carbonation, are discussed.
  • The chemical compositions of various types of alkaline solid wastes are compared.

 

ABSTRACT


This paper provides an overview of state-of-the-art carbon fixation and utilization technologies. Several carbon capture processes, such as chemical absorption and chemical looping, are reviewed and illustrated. In addition, various types of chemicals and fuels that can be produced using concentrated CO2 (or other forms) through physical, chemical, or enhanced biological methods are presented. Among those carbon conversion methods, two promising approaches, i.e., microalgae ponds and accelerated carbonation using alkaline solid wastes, are reviewed in detail. Microalgae are fast-growing and ubiquitous photosynthetic organisms, which are rich in protein and can be converted to biodiesel fuel. They have been recognized as an alternative feedstock not only because they use CO2 from the atmosphere but also due to their high lipid content per biomass compared to other plants. In this study, for the microalgae technologies, the principles and applications of open pond systems are discussed in terms of both technological and economic considerations. The important operation parameters affecting productivity of microalgae, including light intensity, temperature, mixing, CO2 delivery, accumulation of dissolved oxygen, and salinity are summarized. On the other hand, accelerated carbonation technologies are an attractive and feasible approach to integrating alkaline solid waste treatment with CO2 fixation and utilization. In this study, the performance of various carbonation processes is critically reviewed from the perspectives of process design, energy consumption, and environmental benefits. The carbonated solid product can also be used as supplementary cementitious materials in a blended cement or concrete block. Accordingly, the performance of cement pastes with carbonated product, in terms of workability and strength development, are evaluated from the cement chemistry point of view. Cement manufacturing is an energy and material intensive process, with high annual production. It is noted that, through the accelerated carbonation process, significant indirect environmental benefits can be realized.


Keywords: Microalgae; Open pond; Alkaline solid wastes; Carbonation; Supplementary cementitious materials


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