A team of researchers at the University of Michigan and two other universities has developed a method to capture carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into metal oxalates, which can be used as precursors for cement production. This innovation aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional cement manufacturing by utilizing waste carbon dioxide.
The process involves using lead catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into metal oxalates in a controlled microenvironment. However, this method has been limited by the large amounts of lead required, posing an environmental and health hazard.
To overcome this challenge, researchers used polymers to control the environment around the lead catalysts, reducing the amount of lead needed from parts per billion to trace levels. This technology demonstrates the potential for capturing carbon dioxide using “selective electrochemical reduction” methods.
The researchers’ goal is to scale up one part of the process: electrolysis for large-scale carbon dioxide capture. The next steps will focus on studying how to further develop this scalable process, which could lead to a more environmentally friendly and valuable cement alternative.
According to Dr. Charles McCrory, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan, “We’re taking carbon dioxide from different point sources and repurposing it for something useful.” This technology not only captures waste CO2 but also produces a valuable material with downstream applications.
This breakthrough has the potential to transform the cement industry by reducing its environmental impact while providing a sustainable alternative. Further research is needed to refine this process, but the prospect of utilizing captured carbon dioxide in cement production holds significant promise for a more environmentally conscious future.
Source: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-carbon-capture-method-cement-ingredients.html