Optimization of CaCO3 synthesis through the carbonation route in a packed bed reactor

This article presents an investigation on the recovery of CO2 from the combustion gases of the cement industry through a carbonation route in order to obtain Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles (CCnP), which could find application as either polymer or cement fillers. Two different experimental setups, a Continuously Stirred Bubbling Reactor (CSBR) and a Packed Bed Reactor (PBR), were studied in order to improve the final product and enhance the process yield. The influence of the experimental parameters on the particle size and morphology was tested for both reactors. The process was intensified by employing the PBR, where cubic calcite particles smaller than 300 nm were synthesized and higher CO2 conversions were obtained with respect to the CSBR performance. [Display omitted] •CaCO3 particles were synthesized through a carbonation route in different setups•By using a packed bed reactor (PBR), the process yields on CO2 were increased•Size and morphology of CaCO3 can be tailored by varying the operating conditions•Cubic calcite nanoparticles were obtained with optimized conditions in the PBR