Recently, the research team headed by Professor Jingshan Luo of the Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering of Nankai University, proposed a proof of concept for electrochemical transformation of limestone (CaCO₃) into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and valuable carbonaceous products for decarbonizing cement production based on their research experience in electrochemical water splitting and carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction in view of the problem of large CO₂ emissions in cement production. Distinct from the traditional cement production process, in which the high-temperature pyrolysis of limestone releases CO₂ while obtaining calcium oxide (CaO), this method does not emit CO₂ but converts the carbon element in limestone into valuable carbonaceous products, which can be used as fuel and chemicals. It was expected to be used to decarbonize cement production and help to realise the goals of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. The research findings were published in the international academic journal iScience under the title “Electrochemical transformation of limestone into calcium hydroxide and valuable carbonaceous products for decarbonizing cement production”. 

Schematic diagram of electrochemical transformation of limestone (CaCO₃) into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and valuable carbonaceous products.

In 2021, Nankai University forged strategic cooperation with the Wuhu Municipal People’s Government of Anhui Province and Conch Group. Professor Jingshan Luo, as the project leader, and Santan (Anhui) Science and Technology Institute Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Conch Group, jointly established Nankai University-Conch Group Joint Laboratory for “Comprehensive Utilization of Carbon Dioxide Resources”, which focuses on exploring the ways of using CO₂ as a resource and reducing CO₂ emissions in the cement industry. 

Based on the previous research on the electrochemical transformation of CaCO₃ into Ca(OH)₂, and the research experience in electrochemical water splitting and CO₂ reduction reaction, Luo’s group proposed a proof of concept for electrochemical transformation of limestone into Ca(OH)₂ and valuable carbonaceous products. Distinct from the high-temperature pyrolysis of limestone, this method does not emit CO₂ but converts the carbon element in limestone into valuable carbonaceous products, which can be used as fuel and chemicals, providing a novel idea for CO₂ emission reduction in the cement industry. 

(Edited and translated by Nankai News Team)