Living Materials Laboratory:
Project
Project:
Biological Production of Carbonates for Sustainable Cementitious Materials
Current Challenge
Concrete is the second-most consumed material on earth after water. Its production, use, and disposal therefore have global environmental consequences. The production of cement alone accounts for 2.2 billion tons (or 6%) of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Research Goal
In this project, our objectives are (1) to use genetic engineering to exploit biological mechanisms of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation to produce carbon-storing nano- and microscale minerals and (2) to study their effect on properties of cement paste and concrete. The research will be complemented by education and mentoring activities designed to educate the public on the benefits of low-carbon construction, while cultivating a new, inclusive, and diverse generation of interdisciplinary materials scientists and civil engineers.
Sponsor
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)