Abstract
Purpose: While researchers have relied on life cycle assessments (LCAs) to make claims about the environmental benefits of electrochemical CO₂ mineralization, no systematic review literature exists that synthesizes what we know about the LCA of electrochemical mineralization. This review aims to synthesize established knowledge on the LCAs of electrochemical CO₂ mineralization studies, identify research gaps and discuss challenges, and suggest guidelines for applying the ISO 14040/14044 LCA methodology in this sector. Methods: This paper undertook a comprehensive review of LCA studies on CO₂ mineralization with emphasis on electrochemical mineralization. We utilized relevant keywords based on the theme to search in databases, including Scopus and Google Scholar. Of the 1,049 records initially identified, 195 were screened for relevance, resulting in the inclusion of 58 pertinent studies in this review. Totaling 58 records, the final literature includes 11 primary LCA studies for systematic LCA methodological analysis and 47 supporting literature covering electrochemical mineralization technical background and LCA guidelines. Results and discussion: This review evaluates and discusses the identified literature through the thematic lens of the four LCA phases (ISO 14040/14044). This review indicates the literature lacks a consistent LCA approach, including differences in system boundary entry point and functional unit selection, narrow scope of impact assessment and a lack of holistic application of prospective LCA in the emerging electrochemical CO₂ mineralization field. These inconsistencies hinder validation of net-negative global warming impacts and other environmental impacts. Based on findings of the review, we provide discussions to guide towards applying prospective LCA in this field. Conclusions: The study highlights how ISO 14040/14044 LCA methodology have been applied to electrochemical CO₂ mineralization LCA studies. We recommend the development of sector-specific guidelines tailored specifically for electrochemical CO₂ mineralization systems, which will include a standardized methodology for goal and scope definition and provided guidance on selecting functional units and system boundaries. Additionally, we recommend life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) extend beyond climate change for more comprehensive environmental burden evaluation. Future research should focus on genuine prospective LCAs that include dynamic scenario models and development of robust life cycle inventory, to enhance the credibility of LCA in this field.
Recommended Citation
D. Dadzie and K. Awuah-Offei, "A Critical Review and Methodological Recommendations for Life Cycle Assessment of Electrochemical CO₂ Mineralization," International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, vol. 31, no. 5, article no. 78, Springer, May 2026.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-026-02654-9
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
Carbon capture and utilization; Electrochemical CO₂ mineralization; Environmental sustainability assessment; LCA methodology; Life cycle assessment (LCA); storage (CCUS)
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1614-7502; 0948-3349
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 Springer, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 May 2026
Comments
U.S. Department of Energy, Grant None