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Utilizing alkaline solid waste for low-carbon construction material via in-situ calcium phase design

Author

Listed:
  • Bingyang He

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing
    University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Xingyu Zhu

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Yuxin Lei

    (China Environmental United Certification Center Co. Ltd.)

  • Xiaohuan Jing

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Yang Liu

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Zhaohou Chen

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Daqiang Cang

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Jean-Pierre Birat

    (5 Rue du Gate-Chaux)

  • Zian Tang

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing
    University of Science and Technology Beijing)

  • Lingling Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology Beijing
    University of Science and Technology Beijing)

Abstract

Global cement market generates a large amount of greenhouse gases, driving a great interest in developing low-carbon construction materials for climate goals. Although free lime (f-CaO) and low hydration activity limit the applications in construction materials, steel slag, as an alkaline solid waste, is widely regarded as a sustainable alternative to cement. Here, we propose an in-situ calcium phase design strategy of steel slag and develop a high-performance cementitious material through pre-hydration. The pre-hydration effectively reduces the risk of the f-CaO expansion and prevents the occurrence of micro cracks. With the addition of fly ash and alkaline activator, a high elastic modulus Na-rich gel is generated and improves the material’s compressive strength by 133.7%. Carbon footprint analysis indicates that the global-warming potential of the high-performance cementitious material (232–265 kg CO2-eq ton−1) is only about 34-40% of that of cement, helping to reduce about 2.2–3.0 Gt CO2-eq from the global cement market. Interestingly, additional energy compensation (heat or microwave) is proven to expeditiously enhance the mechanical properties of the cementitious material and shorten production cycles without bringing excessive CO2 emissions. This work inspires the strategic utilization of alkaline solid waste in a simple way.

Suggested Citation

  • Bingyang He & Xingyu Zhu & Yuxin Lei & Xiaohuan Jing & Yang Liu & Zhaohou Chen & Daqiang Cang & Jean-Pierre Birat & Zian Tang & Lingling Zhang, 2025. "Utilizing alkaline solid waste for low-carbon construction material via in-situ calcium phase design," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62488-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62488-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Danyang Cheng & David M. Reiner & Fan Yang & Can Cui & Jing Meng & Yuli Shan & Yunhui Liu & Shu Tao & Dabo Guan, 2023. "Projecting future carbon emissions from cement production in developing countries," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Izhar Hussain Shah & Sabbie A. Miller & Daqian Jiang & Rupert J. Myers, 2022. "Cement substitution with secondary materials can reduce annual global CO2 emissions by up to 1.3 gigatons," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Dwarakanath Ravikumar & Duo Zhang & Gregory Keoleian & Shelie Miller & Volker Sick & Victor Li, 2021. "Carbon dioxide utilization in concrete curing or mixing might not produce a net climate benefit," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
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