CO2 sequestration in peridotites - experimental carbonation of olivine and pyroxene

Basic data for this project

Description

Reacting carbonated aqueous solutions with ultramafic rock formations to produce stable carbonate minerals is one of themost promising schemes for the long-term sequestration of carbon dioxide. Peridotite has been proposed as a startingmaterial for these schemes due to its high magnesium and iron content in the minerals olivine and orthopyroxene, as wellas calcium content in diopside. However, changes in the reaction conditions dramatically alter the phases precipitatedfrom the reactions of the peridotite minerals, and this has important consequences for the progression of the carbonationprocess. Although most carbonation studies have focused on olivine carbonation reactions, little is known about the roleof pyroxene on the carbonation process. Therefore, the aim of this project is to conduct an in-depth study of olivine andpyroxene replacement at different conditions and the effect on the formation of secondary phases. The reactions will bestudied both in-situ and ex-situ using a wide range of analytical techniques to help constrain the geochemical models ofcarbon sequestration schemes.