Humans burn 10 gigatons of carbon every year, actively creating 37 gigatons of carbon dioxide. The carbon we omit into the atmosphere accumulates there until we do something about it. All of this carbon begins to warm the planet, becoming the prime contributor to climate change. This has compelled scientists to explore carbon capture technologies to rid the atmosphere of carbon. Here is a solution that is being newly integrated into the cement industry and will also allow humans to live sustainably in a healthy environment.
A Little Background
Cement is a durable solution that is used widely in construction because it acts as a glue to hold the concrete together. Carbon Upcycling Technologies, or CUT, have found a way to turn carbon into cement that is equally as strong as the cement used today. Carbon capture involves capturing the carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere or the CO2 that is already there. This technology can possibly capture up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions and could be the key to ending climate change. Carbon upcycling companies work to capture carbon emissions by converting carbon into solid products, in this case cement. They work to recycle CO2 and transfer it into cement, which has the ability to store it forever and be put to use instead of lingering in the air. This technology also has applications to everyday products. From yoga mats to car parts, we can begin to build our world with carbon.
Will It Lower Our Carbon Emissions?
This process allows for less cement needed to combine concrete. If concrete producing companies are able to use less cement, we could considerably lower the amount of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere that is created by their industry. This carbon capture technology can also be used to extract the carbon emissions already in the atmosphere, thus reducing our net CO2 emissions. The carbon made cement created is also equally as strong as regular cement for our infrastructure, as shown in tests done by select concrete companies. Carbon Upcycling Technologies, or CUT continues to work with concrete businesses such as BurnCo and are working towards a goal of reducing net CO2 emissions by 10 percent in the future.
How Is It Done?
Starting with a fine industrial waste powder called fly ash, a reactor is used to chemically activate it to capture CO2. While spinning the fly ash, CO2 is injected all while ball bearings speed up the reaction with the use of a catalyst. The motion allows for the CO2 to penetrate the fly ash creating tunnels for maximized absorption. Once bonded, a nanoparticle is created which is used as cement to create concrete.
As a community, the next step is to implement more clean energy in our daily lives. Continuing to burn fossil fuels without the balance of clean energy and carbon capture will lead to an inequivalence in sustainability. Recycling CO2 emissions could shape our world for the better, from the products we use to the air we breathe. If you wish to learn more, subscribe to our monthly newsletter here at Green Schools Green Future!
Benefits:
Reduced Emissions: Utilizing captured CO2 in cement production significantly lowers the carbon emissions associated with conventional cement manufacturing.
Resource Efficiency: This method can decrease the reliance on natural resources, as waste materials can be repurposed in the process, promoting a circular economy.
Enhanced Durability: Incorporating CO2 into cement can improve its properties, potentially leading to stronger and longer-lasting materials.
Innovation/New Occupations: Developing and scaling this technology can spur innovation in the construction industry and create new jobs in emerging fields related to carbon capture and sustainable construction.
Challenges:
Economic Viability: The cost of carbon capture technology and the conversion process can be high, though ongoing advancements and increased regulation may help make it more economically feasible.
Scalability: Implementing this technology at a large scale requires significant infrastructure changes and investment.
Join Us In The Fight For Sustainability!
Thank you for reaching the end of this blog! Here are Green Schools Green Future, we pride ourselves in caring for the environment, finding suitable alternatives to everyday necessities, and providing the latest research in the field. To continue this directive, donate to GSGF. Foundation and help make a difference! Donations are highly appreciated and we are very grateful for a platform where we can share our vision. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more intriguing topics and lively articles. See you next time!
Soutrces:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeYJTluQ5tM
https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/blog/why-we-invested-in-carbon-upcycling
