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Chinese researchers develop an innovative catalytic process with steel industry residues, capable of reducing CO2 emissions in cement production up to 80%

Catalytic materials can be integrated directly into cement production, eliminating the need to eliminate them and further reducing waste.

  • New USA technique Solid steel waste as Catalysts.
  • Reaction between Calcium and methane carbonate low atmosphere of ch₄
  • Produce Synthesis calcium and gas oxide (CO + H₂).
  • 80% less emissions What traditional methods.
  • Catalizers se They integrate directly to the clinkerwithout separation.
  • Based on metals such as iron, aluminum and zinc.
  • It offers via viable, economic and ecological To decarbonize the cement.

Of green cement steel waste: a catalytic jump towards a cement production with low emissions

The cement industry is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂being the Decomposition of calcium carbonate (Caco₃) the main source, with near the 60% of the total issued production. Despite technical advances, from rudimentary vertical ovens to modern systems, the need for high temperatures (around 1,450 ° C) It imposes thermodynamic limits that have prevented a radical transformation of the process.

Current strategies to reduce emissions include Improvements in Energy Efficiency and the use of alternative fuels such as biomass or hydrogen. However, these solutions do not attack the core of the problem: Caco₃ decomposition reaction.

A new approach: methane and steel waste as allies

An innovative proposal proposes to use Solid steel wasterich in metals like iron, aluminum and zinchow active catalysts For a new reaction between the Caco₃ and Methane (CH₄). Under rich atmosphere in CH₄, this catalytic system allows the Joint thermal conversion generating two key products:

  • Calcio oxide (CaO)essential for the clinker.
  • Synthesis gas (CO and H₂)valuable as an energy the chemist.

The most remarkable: These catalysts do not require subsequent separation, since They are integrated directly to the cement production processeliminating additional waste and treatment costs.

Reaction mechanism

The investigation identified two possible routes:

  1. route: The adsorbated ch₄ interact directly with the carbon-oxygen bonds of the Caco₃ in the presence of iron, producing CO and H₂ without releasing CO₂.
  2. Decomposition-Address Route: The Caco₃ becomes Cao and Co₂, which then reacts with the ch₄ activated to form CO and H₂.

The experiments show that The direct route is the predominantthanks to the catalytic action of iron oxides. The inclusion of aluminum and zinc Improves dispersion and specific surface of active sitesthus optimizing the catalytic environment.

impact and industrial viability

Through life cycle analysis (LCA), it is estimated that this technology can reduce up to 80% of carbon emissions associated with the critical stage of decomposition of Caco₃. In addition, the integration of industrial waste as raw material Reduces costs, consumption of resources and secondary waste.

This transforms a problematic residue (steel solid) into a Key asset for cleaner industrycontributing a double environmental benefit.

Potential

This technology represents a Structural in cement chemistryNot just a marginal improvement. By taking advantage of existing waste and generating useful by -products, its adoption could:

  • Drastically reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • Close material cycles within the circular economy.
  • Decrease fossil dependence In industrial processes.
  • Promote synergies between sectors: Steel and cement working together towards a common goal.

The key is to this process viable, guaranteeing Compatibility with existing infrastructure and demonstrating its large -scale efficiency. If it is achieved, it could be one of the most important developments towards a Carbon neutral cement industry.

More information: Carbon emission reduction in cement production catalyzed by steel solid waste | National Science Review | Oxford Academic

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