Carbon Sequestration Reaction Using Magnesium Silicate – A Quantum Molecular Dynamics Study*

With rising greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable energy technologies have become crucial now more than ever. Carbon dioxide being the most important of all greenhouse gases. It was proposed by Seifritz in 1990 [1] that carbon dioxide could be sequestered by silicate minerals resulting in the formation of carbonates. In this study, using quantum molecular dynamics, we show the dynamics of MgCO₃ formation by reaction of hydrated carbon dioxide (H₂CO₃) with MgSiO₃. In addition to the carbonate of magnesium the reaction also produces water and the formation of Si-O-Si bonds. With the available technology today, it is feasible to dig up large quantities of Silicates from the Earth’s surface making this a very efficient method of carbon sequestration.

 

[1]      W Seifritz, CO₂  Disposal by Means of Silicates, Nature 345, 486 (1990).