January 13, 2023
Journal Article

Activation Energy of Magnesite (MgCO3) Precipitation: Recent Insights from Olivine Carbonation Studies

Abstract

We present two new activation energies for magnesite precipitation during forsteritic olivine (Mg2-xFexSiO4; 0.18=x=0.26) carbonation in high-pressure carbon dioxide. These new activation energies of 89±6 and 85±1 kJ/mol are consistent with the literature for magnesite precipitation in aqueous media and extend the temperature range to encompass 90 °C to 50 °C. These insights will help improve understanding of mineral transformation kinetics in the subsurface, including carbon storage in mafic-ultramafic environments, and aid in the development of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and net negative-emissions technologies.

Published: January 13, 2023

Citation

Miller Q., and H.T. Schaef. 2022. Activation Energy of Magnesite (MgCO3) Precipitation: Recent Insights from Olivine Carbonation Studies. Environmental Science: Advances 1, no. 4:426-429. PNNL-SA-174595. doi:10.1039/D2VA00066K