Characterization and Preliminary Assessm

This study investigates the potential of calcium silicate/aluminate-based materials, particularly cement clinker, for the sorption of metals through accelerated carbonation. The objective was to assess the structural properties and metal uptake capabilities of the carbonated material. Employing a range of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis, the study reveals that the carbonation process significantly modifies the structural integrity and acid buffering capacity of the cement. The results demonstrate that the carbonated cement effectively removes metal ions from concentrated single-metal solutions, with uptake levels ranging from 35 to 170 mg g-1. The retention of metals was largely unaffected by solution pH, attributed to the buffering properties of the material. Kinetic analyses suggest that the removal of certain metals follows a pseudo-second-order model, while others fit a pseudo-first-order kinetics. Further simulations supported the formation of metal carbonates and silicates. This research highlights the application of accelerated carbonation not only in CO2 sequestration but also in developing sustainable materials for environmental remediation.