Alkaline solid waste for carbon dioxide mineralization: a review

[Geoengineering News]

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-026-01899-y

Authors: Kairui Hu, Sining Lyu, Lianzheng Gui, Ning Zhang, Xiaofeng Gao, Jian Zuo, Huabo Duan & Jiakuan Yang 

23 February 2026

Abstract

The rising adverse effects of global warming require rapid methods to reach carbon neutrality. Here we review carbon dioxide mineralization using alkaline solid waste with focus on waste properties, mineralization mechanisms, management, commercialization, and the assessment of life cycle and costs. Waste includes steel slag, flue gas desulfurization gypsum, calcium carbide slag, and bauxite residue. Mineralization allows about 310 metric megatonnes of direct carbon dioxide removal per year, and up to 3.7 metric gigatonnes of indirect reductions when carbonated products substitute cementitious materials. Reported sequestration efficiencies vary widely with feedstock and conditions, with calcium carbide slag showing a median sequestration rate of 52.8%w, and flue gas desulfurization gypsum reaching 31.26%w.

Source: Springer Nature Link