# Concrete Incorporating a Spent CO2 Absorbent: Comprehensive Assessment of Microstructure, Strength, and Durability

## TL;DR

This study explores using spent CO2 absorbents in concrete, finding that small amounts improve early strength but higher levels reduce durability.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a method for recycling spent CO2 absorbents in concrete and quantifies their impact on performance.

## Key findings

- Low replacement ratios (10–20%) enhance early strength through micro-filling and nucleation effects.
- Higher replacement ratios (≥30%) lead to excessive carbonation and reduced strength.
- Spent CO2 absorbents can be effectively recycled in concrete at 10–20% replacement.

## Abstract

Recycling spent CO2 absorbents generated from direct air capture (DAC) processes is important for improving the sustainability of carbon capture technologies. This study investigates the feasibility of using a spent alkaline CO2 absorbent as a partial replacement of mixing water in cementitious materials and evaluates its effects on microstructure, strength, and durability. Mortar and concrete mixtures were prepared with replacement ratios of 0–40%. Microstructural and phase evolution were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, while mechanical performance was assessed through compressive and flexural strength tests. Durability was evaluated by freezing–thawing resistance, chemical resistance in acidic environments, and accelerated carbonation tests. The results show that low replacement ratios (10–20%) improve early-age strength due to CaCO3-induced micro-filling and nucleation effects, while maintaining comparable long-term strength to the reference mixture. In contrast, higher replacement ratios (≥30%) cause excessive carbonation, C–S–H decalcification, increased micro-porosity, and strength reduction. Overall, spent CO2 absorbents can be effectively recycled in cementitious materials within a 10–20% replacement range.