Activation energy of magnesite (MgCO3) precipitation: recent insights from olivine carbonation studies

Abstract

We present two new activation energies for magnesite precipitation during forsteritic olivine (Mg_2−xFe_xSiO₄; 0.18 ≤ x ≤ 0.26) carbonation in high-pressure carbon dioxide. These new activation energies of 89 ± 6 and 85 ± 1 kJ mol⁻¹ are consistent with the literature for magnesite precipitation in aqueous media and extend the temperature range to encompass 90 °C to 50 °C. These insights will help improve understanding of mineral transformation kinetics in the subsurface, including carbon storage in mafic-ultramafic environments, and aid in the development of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and net negative-emissions technologies.