A holistic overview of the in-situ and ex-situ carbon mineralization: Methods, mechanisms, and technical challenges

Abstract

To mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions and address the climate change effects, carbon capture and storage by mineralization (CCSM) and industrial mineral carbonation are gaining attraction. Specifically, in-situ carbon mineralization in the subsurface geological formations occurs due to the transformation of silicate minerals into carbonates (e.g., CaCO3, MgCO3) while ex-situ carbon mineralization at the surface undergoes chemical reactions with metal cations – thus leading to permanent storage. However, both processes are complex and require a rigorous investigation to enable large-scale mineralization. This paper, therefore, aims to provide an overreaching review of the in-situ and ex-situ methods for carbon mineralization for different rock types, various engineered processes, and associated mechanisms pertinent to mineralization. Furthermore, the factors influencing in-situ and ex-situ processes, e.g., suitable minerals, optimal operating conditions, and technical challenges, have also been inclusively reviewed. Our findings suggest that in-situ carbon mineralization, i.e., subsurface permanent storage of CO2 by mineralization, arguably is more promising than ex-situ mineralization due to energy efficiency and large-scale storage potential. Furthermore, the effect of rock type can be ranked as igneous (basalt) > carbonates (sedimentary) > sandstone (sedimentary) to consider for rapid and large-scale CCSM. The findings of this review will, therefore, help towards a better understanding of carbon mineralization, which contributes towards large-scale CO2 storage to meet the global net-zero targets.