Carbon sequestration in concrete

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Asst. Research Professor

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Asst. Research Professor

Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Asst. Research Professor

Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Microstructure of building materials

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Asst. Research Professor

Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Microstructure of building materials

(especially concrete)

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Karl Peterson

Asst. Research Professor

Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering

• Microstructure of building materials

(especially concrete)

Why concrete?

Because we use a lot of it.

But there’s a problem…

For every three cubic meters of concrete,

For every three cubic meters of concrete,

one metric ton of carbon is emitted.

For every three cubic meters of concrete,

one metric ton of carbon is emitted.

(and that’s just considering the process of cement production)

CaCO3 + heat → CaO + CO2

CaCO3 + heat → CaO + CO2

(heat from burning coal, even more CO2)

Fortunately, a portion of the emitted CO2 is re-absorbed by the concrete.

Hydrated cement + CO2 → CaCO3

Hydrated cement + CO2 → CaCO3

(but takes a while)

The Pantheon of Rome, 125 A.D.

Concrete dome completely carbonated after 2,000 years

Recovered carbon, as of now.

Recovered carbon, 25 years from now.

Recovered carbon, 50 years from now.

Recovered carbon, 100 years from now.

Recovered carbon, 500 years from now.

Recovered carbon, 1000 years from now.

Recovered carbon, 1500 years from now.

Carbon sequestration in concrete

Carbon sequestration in concrete

How can we speed things up?

Carbon sequestration in concrete

How can we speed things up?

• Encapsulating CO2 during construction.

Carbon sequestration in concrete

How can we speed things up?

• Encapsulating CO2 during construction.

• Increasing the permeability of the hydrated cement paste.

Carbon sequestration in concrete

How can we speed things up?

• Encapsulating CO2 during construction.

• Increasing the permeability of the hydrated cement paste.

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

Why?

• Introduction of nano-bacteria.

Why?

Because Michigan Technological University is a leading public research university, conducting research, developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world.