CO2 sequestration through aqueous accelerated carbonation of BOF slag: A factorial study of parameters effects

A factorial study was conducted on basic oxygen furnace slag from a steelmaking industry with the aim of systematically identifying the individual and joint effects of the operating parameters (total pressure, CO2 concentration in the gas phase and temperature) on the CO2 sequestration yield of a direct aqueous carbonation process. Each operating parameter was varied over a range of three levels according to a 33 factorial design, resulting in 27 carbonation experiments. The carbonation performance and the changes in particle size and mineralogical characteristics of the slag were investigated in detail. The analysis of the experimental results indicated large effects of the operating factors on CO2 uptake, which was observed to span the range 6.7–53.6 g CO2/100 g slag. The best carbonation performance achieved was particularly significant compared to previous studies, even more considering the relative mild operating conditions adopted (P = 5 bar, C = 40% vol. CO2, T = 50 °C, t = 4 h). The analysis of the solid and liquid phases at the end of the carbonation treatment evidenced significant changes in the physical, chemical and mineralogical composition of the material. In particular, evidence was gained of other elements (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn) in addition to Ca being intensively involved in the carbonation reactions, with a variety of carbonate phases being produced in addition to calcium carbonate forms. •A factorial study was conducted on accelerated carbonation of BOF steel slag.•The effects of pressure, CO2 concentration and temperature were investigated.•The observed range of CO2 uptake was 67–536 g CO2/kg slag.•The best carbonation conditions were achieved at 5 bar, 40% vol. CO2 and 50 °C.•Elements including Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn were found to be involved in carbonation.