Direct CO2 Capture by Alkali-Dissolved Cellulose and Sequestration in Building Materials and Artificial Reef Structures

Current carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies require high energy input and costly catalysts. Here, an effective pathway is offered that addresses climate action by atmospheric CO2 sequestration. Industrially relevant highly reactive alkali cellulose solutions are used as CO2 absorption media. The latter lead to mineralized cellulose materials (MCM) at a tailorable cellulose-to-mineral ratio, forming organic-inorganic viscous systems (viscosity from 10(2) to 10(7) mPa s and storage modulus from 10 to 10(5) Pa). CO2 absorption and conversion into calcium carbonate and associated minerals translate to maximum absorption of 6.5 gCO(2) g(cellulose)(-1), tracking inversely with cellulose loading. Cellulose lean gels are easily converted into dry powders, shown as a functional component of ceramic glazes and cementitious composites. Meanwhile, cellulose-rich gels are moldable and extrudable, yielding stone-like structures tested as artificial substrates for coral reef restoration. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) suggests new CCU opportunities for building materials, as demonstrated in underwater deployment for coral reef ecosystem restoration.

Automated summary

Current carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are energy-intensive and expensive. This study proposes an effective approach for CO2 sequestration using alkali cellulose solutions as CO2 absorption media. CO2 absorption and conversion into minerals resulted in maximum absorption of 6.5 gCO(2) g(cellulose)(-1). The resulting cellulose materials can be used in ceramic glazes, cementitious composites, and even for coral reef restoration.