CO2 sequestration in peridotites - experimental carbonation of olivine and pyroxene

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andrew Putnis
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2011 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192289996

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

• DFG Programme: Research Grants