the Indirect Mineral Carbonation of electric Arc Furnace slag Under Microwave Irradiation

The indirect mineral carbonation of industrial residues is recognized as a viable technology for CO2 sequestration. This study investigates the leaching and carbonation of electric arc furnace (EAF) slag under microwave irradiation. Experimental results indicate that calcium silicate is the primary reactive phase affecting the carbonation process, with larger particles exhibiting a lower final leaching ratio than smaller ones due to a silica layer formed on their surfaces. The kinetics of EAF slag leaching under microwave irradiation are effectively modeled by the Drozdov equation, which incorporates a self-impeding coefficient. Furthermore, the phenomenon of explosive homogeneous nucleation under microwave irradiation promotes the thinning and narrowing of crystals in the slag. Notably, microwave irradiation has been found to inhibit the crystal-type transformation of vaterite. Given the significant CO2 emissions generated in industrial processes, enhancing mineral carbonation through innovative applications, such as microwave energy, presents a promising avenue for effective carbon capture and storage. This research offers insights into the mechanisms of mineral carbonation of EAF slag, suggesting that employing microwave irradiation could optimize the leaching and carbonation process for better industrial applications.