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

Bingyang He, Xingyu Zhu, Yuxin Lei, Xiaohuan Jing, Yang Liu, Zhaohou Chen, Daqiang Cang, Jean-Pierre Birat, Zian Tang and Lingling Zhang ()
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Bingyang He: 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
Lingling Zhang: University of Science and Technology Beijing

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62488-1

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