Enhancing CO₂ Geological Sequestration through Basalt Mineralization: Experimental Insights and Storage Potential Evaluation in Hainan, China

Basalt mineralization storage technology represents a pivotal approach in CO₂ geological sequestration, offering a promising pathway for safe and long-term carbon storage. This study focuses on the "water-CO₂-basalt" mineralization reaction, leveraging natural basalt samples from Yangpu, Haikou, and Zhangzhou in Hainan Province, China. Through high-temperature and high-pressure mineralization experiments, the effects of varying temperatures and reaction times on mineralization efficiency were systematically investigated. Pre- and post-reaction rock and solution samples were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques, including XRD, XRF and CT-scan. Results demonstrate that mineralization efficiency increases with higher temperatures and extended reaction durations, following a dissolution-precipitation mechanism. Notably, basalt samples from Hainan exhibited superior mineralization performance, highlighting their suitability for large-scale storage applications. Furthermore, a robust formula for assessing CO₂ storage potential was developed based on experimental data, with Hainan serving as a case study. The findings reveal significant carbon sequestration potential in Hainan's basalt formations, underscoring the credibility and applicability of the proposed evaluation method. This research provides critical theoretical insights to advance basalt mineralization storage projects, contributing to the broader development of CO₂ mineralization and storage technologies.