Basalt as a carbon sink: Mechanism, alterations and technological advances

Abstract

The urgent need for scalable and effective carbon sequestration methods is crucial for mitigating global climate change. Basalt, with its unique capacity to rapidly convert CO₂ into stable carbonate minerals, presents a promising solution for long-term carbon storage. This review critically examines the carbonation mechanisms in basalt formations, integrating insights from experimental, modeling, and field studies. Key factors influencing carbonation, such as mineral composition, temperature, pressure, and fluid chemistry, are explored. The review also discusses cutting-edge enhancement techniques, including chemical additives and engineered fracturing, aimed at accelerating carbonation and maximizing storage potential. Furthermore, the alteration of basalt’s chemical, physical, and mechanical properties post-carbonation is analyzed, offering new perspectives on the long-term stability of CO₂ storage in basalt formations. By addressing gaps in current knowledge, this review outlines a research agenda for optimizing basalt-based carbon storage systems and highlights the challenges of scaling these technologies to meet global sustainability goals. The analysis reveals the optimal blend of mineralogical and physical conditions needed to unlock basalt’s full potential for efficient CO₂ storage. These findings contribute to advancing carbon sequestration strategies that are essential for achieving net-zero emissions.