AI-Driven Discovery of Catalysts to Accelerate Carbon Capture in Concrete

Summary

It is well-known that concrete, the most used human-made material worldwide, is a source of 6-8% of anthropogenic carbon emissions. Cement, which is 10-20% of concrete by mass, contributes about 70-90% of the total CO2 emissions, largely due to the decomposition of limestone (CaCO3) in the high-temperature manufacture process of cement. In a world urgently seeking solutions to combat climate change, reduction of this 6-8% amount is urgent and critical. Interestingly, concrete, and indeed all cement-based materials undergo carbonation, that is, they uptake CO2 from the environment. While numbers vary, 10% or more of the CO2 produced by cement is ultimately offset by the carbon-capturing properties of concrete. Unfortunately, this valuable carbonation reaction is hampered by a sluggish pace. Thus, this team's goal is to transform concrete into an unlikely hero that rapidly uptakes CO2. This would transform our cities and infrastructure from silent contributors to climate change into active and vast carbon sinks.

Team

Rajeev Prabhakar (Chemistry), Luis Pestana (Civil & Architectural Engineering), Prannoy Suraneni (Civil & Architectural Engineering)