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"A Massachusetts-based startup has figured out how to produce zero-carbon cement."
This sounds amazing and it's huge if it can be scaled (cement production currently causes 8% of global carbon emissions), but the article is basically an uncritical press release.
Anyone familiar with the subject: what are the downsides, if any?
https://heatmap.news/technology/sublime-carbon-cement-electrolyzer #climatechange #emissions #concrete #cement
For example, I'm curious if the feed materials are commonly and sustainably available, not that they're very open about what materials they're using.
"One electrode produces a solution that extracts calcium from inert minerals, leaving behind a reactive silicate. The second electrode produces alkalinity, which precipitates calcium (also known as lime) as a pure, reactive solid."
I went searching, to answer my own questions. A lot of this is answered in this excellent interview: https://www.volts.wtf/p/we-are-closing-in-on-zero-carbon
@Brendanjones
That interview with CEO is sales not analysis. No reason to believe any claims. Obstacles that remain before making it economically, environmentally *and* mechanically sustainable? Material properties? How do properties change with wear, weather, and stress? Has it been vibe/earthquake/life tested? How much more expensive will the first batch be? What is its price/strength/life right now, out of the lab? Why isn't it selling itself?
@hobs to be fair she does answer a bunch of what you asked.
@Brendanjones
Yeah. A CEO answering questions about a product is worse than a rando answering questions about a product. They have a fiducial legal obligation to say whatever is required to increase the value of the company and that product. It's like asking a lawyer about the guilt or innocence of their client. You'd be better off not asking the question at all and just analyzing the facts yourself.