Research Projects

This project proposes the development and demonstration of a novel hybrid reactor system to accelerate CO₂ mineralization in steel slag (Basic Oxygen Furnace) and ultramafic rock residues using shockwave-assisted processes. While conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS) strategies focus on geological injection, CO₂ mineralization offers a permanent, thermodynamically stable pathway for carbon sequestration. However, existing mineralization approaches—typically based on hydrothermal or aqueous reactions—are hindered by slow kinetics, high energy requirements, and limited scalability. To address this, we propose to harness transient high-pressure and high-temperature pulses generated by gas-dynamic shockwaves to enhance mineral carbonation reactions, thereby transforming waste CO₂ into solid carbonates at significantly faster rates. The central hypothesis is that shockwave-induced loading can drastically enhance the dissolution–precipitation kinetics of reactive phases (e.g., Ca/Mg-silicates) in BOF slag and ultramafic rocks such as peridotite and pyroxenite, enabling efficient CO₂ fixation within milliseconds to seconds. We further hypothesize that micro-fracturing, local heating, and thermodynamic disequilibrium induced by shockwaves can overcome kinetic limitations of conventional methods, even at ambient or near-ambient operating conditions. To test this hypothesis, we will design and fabricate a dual-mode experimental facility comprising a hydrostatic pressure chamber for long-duration static experiments and a custom-built CO₂-driven shockwave reactor for high-strain-rate mineralization studies. Standardized BOF slag samples (sourced from Tata Steel) and ultramafic rocks (from geologically relevant Indian formations such as the Singhbhum Craton and Mayodia-Hunli ophiolitic belt) will be characterized and subjected to both static and dynamic carbonation conditions in controlled brine-CO₂ systems. Main experiments will include: • Comparative mineralization studies under static vs. shockwave conditions to quantify CO₂ uptake. • Time-resolved analysis of phase transformations using XRD, TGA, SEM-EDS, and CT imaging. • Evaluation of the effect of shock intensity, pressure, and brine chemistry on carbonation yield. • Mechanical property testing (UCS, triaxial strength) and porosity/permeability analysis pre- and post-carbonation. A comprehensive data analysis phase will assess reaction kinetics, mineral phase evolution, and process efficiency. A conceptual design package for a 1–2 tonne per day pilot-scale system will be developed, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be performed to evaluate environmental impact and carbon offset potential. If successful, this project will represent a first-of-its-kind demonstration of a shockwave-assisted reactor system for CO₂ mineralization, offering a low-energy, scalable pathway for industrial decarbonization. Scientifically, it will advance our fundamental understanding of gas-solid-liquid interaction under shock loading and open a new domain in rapid geochemical conversion processes. From an application perspective, it directly supports India’s net-zero targets by enabling the valorization of steelmaking residues and ultramafic mine waste as permanent CO₂ sinks.

CO₂-Mineralization, Ultramafic-Rock, Steel Slag, Shockwave