Calcium looping carbon capture: Progress and prospects

Carbon capture and utilization/storage is an integral part of a smooth transition to a net-zero energy portfolio. The distinctive advantages of the calcium looping (CaL) process, including low-cost and high-theoretical uptake capacity, make it a promising approach for the decarbonization of fossil fuel power plants and carbon-intensive industries, including cement and steel. CaL exploits the reversible reaction of CO2 with CaO to capture and release carbon dioxide in a cyclic process. This paper reviews the fundamentals of the CaL process, the kinetics of the carbonation reaction, and extensive research on the development of sorbent materials with high durability for use in the CaL process. Various optimizing strategies for the improvement of the stability and CO2 uptake capacity of materials are outlined. Lastly, an overview of bench- and pilot-scale testing facilities around the world is provided. The characteristics, operating conditions, and the main experimental findings of the testing facilities are summarized.