Eco-friendly carbon-reducing deicing agent composition utilizing carbon capture technology and preparation method thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250183159
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-11-27
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Figure 1020250183159
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The following examples relate to an eco-friendly carbon-reducing de-icing agent composition utilizing carbon capture technology and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology
[0002] Conventional de-icing agents have mainly consisted of compositions formed by simply mixing chloride-based compounds such as sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂). While these existing de-icing agents exhibit a de-icing effect by melting snow and ice through the principle of freezing point depression, they cause various environmental problems during use.
[0003] First, conventional de-icing agents cause soil and water pollution. As chloride components accumulate in the soil, they increase soil salinity, which inhibits plant growth and leads to the destruction of ecosystems. Furthermore, when melted de-icing agents flow into rivers, they cause water pollution and disturbance of aquatic ecosystems.
[0004] Second, conventional de-icing agents cause serious damage to road infrastructure. Due to the high corrosiveness of chloride components, the corrosion of concrete structures and rebar is accelerated, leading to reduced durability of roads and bridges and increased maintenance costs, which is becoming a problem.
[0005] Third, existing de-icing agents are not free from carbon emission issues. A significant amount of carbon dioxide is emitted during the manufacturing process of de-icing agents, and additional carbon emissions occur during the disposal process after use. Particularly at this juncture, where achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality goal has emerged as an international challenge, the introduction of carbon reduction technologies in the de-icing agent sector is urgent.
[0006] Fourth, existing de-icing agents exhibit problems such as sludge formation and reduced fluidity during storage. Chloride components absorb moisture from the atmosphere and form clumps, which causes a decrease in product quality and reduces the efficiency of spraying operations.
[0007] Recently, research on fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide into stable solid carbonates using mineral carbonation technology has been actively underway; however, cases of applying this technology to the field of de-icing agents to simultaneously achieve de-icing performance and carbon capture capabilities are very limited. Prior art literature
[0008] Korean Published Patent 10-2025-0038417 Korean Published Patent 10-2023-0037940 Korean Published Patent 10-2023-0037941 Korean Registered Patent 10-2699646 The problem to be solved
[0009] The objective of the present invention is to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and specifically to solve the following problems.
[0010] The first task is to develop an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition capable of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and fixing it into stable carbonates while maintaining de-icing performance. To this end, we aim to implement a technology that enables natural carbon capture during use by applying magnesium carbonate and mineral carbonate raw materials—such as serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide—as auxiliary materials to the de-icing agent.
[0011] The second task is to develop a composition that can improve the storage stability of the de-icing agent, suppress sludge formation, and maintain fluidity for a long period. To this end, we intend to ensure storage stability by optimally blending auxiliary raw materials such as sodium hexametaphosphate, biochar, zeolite, layered double hydroxide, and diatomite.
[0012] The third task is to develop a de-icing agent that maximizes environmental friendliness to minimize soil and water pollution and, on the contrary, demonstrates an environmental improvement effect. The goal is to enable the formed carbonates to mitigate soil acidification and adsorb heavy metals and harmful substances to perform an environmental purification function.
[0013] The fourth task is to establish a manufacturing method that optimizes the de-icing agent production process to maximize the functionality of each component and realize synergistic effects. We aim to improve product performance by introducing process technologies such as stepwise heat treatment, surface modification, and sequential mixing.
[0014] The fifth task is to develop a competitive product capable of replacing existing de-icing agents by ensuring economic viability and practicality. We aim to realize technology at a commercially viable level by comprehensively considering factors such as the stable supply of raw materials, manufacturing process efficiency, and ease of use. means of solving the problem
[0015] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, comprising: a) a step of preparing one or more of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a main raw material for the de-icing function; b) a step of preparing magnesium carbonate as a main raw material for carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions, and one or more of serpentine, olivine, brucite (Mg(OH)₂), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO) as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5%; c) a step of preparing one or more of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), biochar, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), zeolite, layered double hydroxide (LDH), and diatomite as auxiliary raw materials for storage stability and performance improvement; d) a step of preparing a de-icing agent composition that combines the above main raw material, the above magnesium carbonate and auxiliary raw material, and the above auxiliary raw material to simultaneously provide a de-icing function and capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere under atmospheric pressure conditions of -20°C to 5°C and an atmospheric temperature, thereby fixing it into carbonates that are not re-emitted for more than 300 years; e) a step of enabling the de-icing agent composition to react with CO₂ in a road surface spraying environment to form one or more carbonates of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), thereby realizing a carbon fixation effect; the present invention provides a method for preparing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, characterized by comprising:
[0016] At this time, the above step (a) comprises: a1) a step of grinding the sodium chloride (NaCl) to an average particle size range of 100-300㎛ to increase the surface area by 2-3 times compared to before fine grinding; a2) a step of preparing the magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) in the form of a hexahydrate, while adjusting the moisture content to 35-40 wt% to provide an optimal humidity environment for the carbon capture reaction; a3) a step of preparing the calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the form of a dihydrate to provide snow removal performance at low temperatures along with Ca 2+a4) a step of promoting a calcium carbonate formation reaction through ion supply, wherein the main raw materials are formulated and mixed to include 40-50 parts by weight of sodium chloride, 30-40 parts by weight of magnesium chloride, and 10-20 parts by weight of calcium chloride, and the total sum of the main raw materials is 100 parts by weight; a5) a step of heat-treating the main raw materials obtained from step a4) at 60-70°C for 1-2 hours to stabilize the crystal structure and increase carbon capture active sites;
[0017] At this time, the above step (b) includes: b1) a step of performing a carbon capture function using the above magnesium carbonate as a main raw material; b2) a step of adding the above serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5% to assist in carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions.
[0018] At this time, the above step (c) comprises: c1) a step of adjusting the sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) to a molecular weight range of 15,000–40,000 and stabilizing it at a pH of 6.5–7.5 to impart a corrosion inhibitory effect through the formation of chelates with metal ions; c2) a step of reactivating the biochar in a nitrogen atmosphere at 600–750°C to achieve a specific surface area of 150–300 m² / g as measured by the BET method, thereby improving the CO₂ adsorption capacity compared to before the reactivation treatment; c3) Ca in the zeolite in the Na+ form 2+ , Mg 2+c4) a step of creating catalytic active sites for a carbon capture reaction and controlling the ion exchange capacity through mixed ion exchange treatment; c5) a step of facilitating the interlayer insertion of CO₂ molecules by controlling the interlayer distance of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) to be 8.0-9.0 Å when measured by X-ray diffraction; c6) a step of sequentially mixing the auxiliary raw materials, comprising 3-8 parts by weight of sodium hexametaphosphate, 15-25 parts by weight of biochar, 10-20 parts by weight of zeolite, 15-25 parts by weight of layered double hydroxide, and 20-35 parts by weight of diatomite, wherein the total sum of the auxiliary raw materials is 100 parts by weight.
[0019] At this time, the above step (d) comprises: d1) a step of pre-mixing 100 parts by weight of the total composition in a mixing ratio of 65-75 parts by weight of the main raw material, 15-20 parts by weight of the magnesium carbonate, and 10-15 parts by weight of the auxiliary raw material (including serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide) in a V-type mixer at 15-20 rpm for 5-8 minutes; d2) a step of preventing deactivation of CO₂ capture active sites while slowly adding the magnesium carbonate and the auxiliary raw material to the pre-mixed main raw material under conditions of a temperature of 25-30℃ and a relative humidity of 50-60%; d3) a step of adding 0.1-0.2% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder to strengthen the bonding force between each component and suppress the phenomenon of component separation during spraying; d4) A step of optimizing the functionality of each component by adding the above-mentioned auxiliary raw materials for stability and performance enhancement (sodium hexametaphosphate, biochar, zeolite, layered double hydroxide, diatomite) using a three-step sequential addition method, wherein sodium hexametaphosphate is added first, followed by biochar and zeolite simultaneously, and finally layered double hydroxide and diatomite are added; d5) A step of preventing aggregation of nano-sized components and achieving fine dispersion by vigorously mixing using a high-speed shear mixer at 1800-2200 rpm for 3-5 minutes; d6) A step of vacuum drying the mixture at 50-60℃ (pressure 0.02-0.04 MPa) for 2-3 hours to control residual moisture to 2% or less and ensure long-term storage stability; d7) A step of classifying the final mixture with a vibrating sieve having a mesh size of 250-350 μm to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize scattering during spraying; includes. Effects of the invention
[0020] The eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention exhibit the following significant effects.
[0021] First, the de-icing agent of the present invention achieves a dual function of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and fixing it into stable carbonates while maintaining de-icing performance equivalent to that of conventional de-icing agents. Serpentine, olivine, and brucite, which are added as auxiliary raw materials along with magnesium carbonate, react with CO₂ in the usage environment to form magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, thereby achieving a permanent carbon storage effect that is not re-emitted for more than 300 years.
[0022] Second, the de-icing agent of the present invention exhibits significantly improved storage stability. By optimally blending auxiliary raw materials such as sodium hexametaphosphate, biochar, and zeolite, the sludge formation rate is reduced from 3.8-4.5% of existing products to 2.3-2.7% or less, and fluidity can be maintained for a long period.
[0023] Third, the de-icing agent of the present invention exhibits an environmental improvement effect. The formed carbonates buffer the pH of the soil to prevent acidification and perform soil and water purification functions through the adsorption and precipitation of heavy metal ions. In addition, it contributes to the improvement of air quality by reacting with air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to convert them into sulfates and nitrates.
[0024] Fourth, the manufacturing method of the present invention applies process technology that maximizes the functionality of each component. The overall performance of the product is improved by introducing technologies such as crystal structure stabilization through stepwise heat treatment, increase of reaction active sites through surface modification, and realization of synergistic effects between components through sequential mixing.
[0025] Fifth, the de-icing agent of the present invention exhibits an effect of improving road surface performance. The formed carbonate particles increase the frictional force of the road surface and prevent re-freezing, and provide an additional effect of improving the durability of the road surface by filling micro-cracks.
[0026] Sixth, as an eco-friendly technology aligning with carbon neutrality policy goals, the present invention offers the potential for policy utilization through carbon emission trading schemes, green technology certifications, and ESG management indicators. This can contribute to the sustainable development of the de-icing agent industry and the creation of new markets. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.
[0028] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the technical concept.
[0029] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.
[0030] When it is stated that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, or that there may be other components in between.
[0031] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.
[0033] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.
[0034] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0036] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.
[0037] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated components.
[0038] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, comprising: a) a step of preparing one or more of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a main raw material for the de-icing function; b) a step of preparing magnesium carbonate as a main raw material for carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions, and one or more of serpentine, olivine, brucite (Mg(OH)₂), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO) as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5%; c) a step of preparing one or more of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), biochar, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), zeolite, layered double hydroxide (LDH), and diatomite as auxiliary raw materials for storage stability and performance improvement; d) a step of preparing a de-icing agent composition that combines the above main raw material, the above magnesium carbonate and auxiliary raw material, and the above auxiliary raw material to simultaneously provide a de-icing function and capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere under atmospheric pressure conditions of -20°C to 5°C and an atmospheric temperature, thereby fixing it into carbonates that are not re-emitted for more than 300 years; e) a step of enabling the de-icing agent composition to react with CO₂ in a road surface spraying environment to form one or more carbonates of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), thereby realizing a carbon fixation effect; the present invention provides a method for preparing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, characterized by comprising:
[0039] At this time, the above step (a) comprises: a1) a step of grinding the sodium chloride (NaCl) to an average particle size range of 100-300㎛ to increase the surface area by 2-3 times compared to before fine grinding; a2) a step of preparing the magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) in the form of a hexahydrate, while adjusting the moisture content to 35-40 wt% to provide an optimal humidity environment for the carbon capture reaction; a3) a step of preparing the calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the form of a dihydrate to provide snow removal performance at low temperatures along with Ca 2+a4) a step of promoting a calcium carbonate formation reaction through ion supply, wherein the mixture comprises 40-50 parts by weight of sodium chloride, 30-40 parts by weight of magnesium chloride, and 10-20 parts by weight of calcium chloride, wherein the total sum of the main raw materials is 100 parts by weight; a5) a step of heat-treating the mixed main raw materials at 60-70°C for 1-2 hours to stabilize the crystal structure and increase carbon capture active sites;
[0040] At this time, the above step (b) includes: b1) a step of performing a carbon capture function using the above magnesium carbonate as a main raw material; b2) a step of adding the above serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5% to assist in carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions.
[0041] At this time, the above step (c) comprises: c1) a step of adjusting the sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) to a molecular weight range of 15,000–40,000 and stabilizing it at a pH of 6.5–7.5 to impart a corrosion inhibitory effect through the formation of chelates with metal ions; c2) a step of reactivating the biochar in a nitrogen atmosphere at 600–750°C to achieve a specific surface area of 150–300 m² / g as measured by the BET method, thereby improving the CO₂ adsorption capacity compared to before the reactivation treatment; c3) Ca in the zeolite in the Na+ form 2+ , Mg 2+c4) a step of creating catalytic active sites for a carbon capture reaction and controlling the ion exchange capacity through mixed ion exchange treatment; c5) a step of facilitating the interlayer insertion of CO₂ molecules by controlling the interlayer distance of the layered double hydroxide (LDH) to be 8.0-9.0 Å when measured by X-ray diffraction; c6) a step of sequentially mixing the auxiliary raw materials, comprising 3-8 parts by weight of sodium hexametaphosphate, 15-25 parts by weight of biochar, 10-20 parts by weight of zeolite, 15-25 parts by weight of layered double hydroxide, and 20-35 parts by weight of diatomite, wherein the total sum of the auxiliary raw materials is 100 parts by weight.
[0042] At this time, the above step (d) comprises: d1) a step of pre-mixing 100 parts by weight of the total composition in a mixing ratio of 65-75 parts by weight of the main raw material, 15-20 parts by weight of the magnesium carbonate, and 10-15 parts by weight of the auxiliary raw material (including serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide) in a V-type mixer at 15-20 rpm for 5-8 minutes; d2) a step of preventing deactivation of CO₂ capture active sites while slowly adding the magnesium carbonate and the auxiliary raw material to the pre-mixed main raw material under conditions of a temperature of 25-30℃ and a relative humidity of 50-60%; d3) a step of adding 0.1-0.2% by weight of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder to strengthen the bonding force between each component and suppress the phenomenon of component separation during spraying; d4) A step of optimizing the functionality of each component by adding the above-mentioned auxiliary raw materials for stability and performance enhancement (sodium hexametaphosphate, biochar, zeolite, layered double hydroxide, diatomite) using a three-step sequential addition method, wherein sodium hexametaphosphate is added first, followed by biochar and zeolite simultaneously, and finally layered double hydroxide and diatomite are added; d5) A step of preventing aggregation of nano-sized components and achieving fine dispersion by vigorously mixing using a high-speed shear mixer at 1800-2200 rpm for 3-5 minutes; d6) A step of vacuum drying the mixture at 50-60℃ (pressure 0.02-0.04 MPa) for 2-3 hours to control residual moisture to 2% or less and ensure long-term storage stability; d7) A step of classifying the final mixture with a vibrating sieve having a mesh size of 250-350 μm to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize scattering during spraying; includes.
[0043] Reasons for Material Selection and Technical Basis
[0044] Reason for selecting the main ingredient
[0045] Basis for selecting sodium chloride (NaCl)
[0046] Sodium chloride was selected as the core component responsible for the primary de-icing function in this invention. When dissolved in water, sodium chloride dissociates into Na and Cl ions, exhibiting a freezing point depression effect, which is essential for satisfying the basic performance requirements of de-icing agents. In particular, sodium chloride is a material with verified economic efficiency and safety, offering the advantages of mass production and stable supply. Furthermore, this invention aims to improve the efficiency of the CO₂ capture reaction by increasing the contact surface area with carbon-reducing raw materials through the grinding of sodium chloride to a specific particle size of 100–300 µm. The crystal structure of sodium chloride exhibits characteristics that facilitate physical mixing with other components while maintaining stability during the heat treatment process.
[0047] Rationale for selecting magnesium chloride (MgCl₂)
[0048] Magnesium chloride was selected for the dual purpose of exhibiting excellent de-icing performance at low temperatures while directly contributing to carbon capture. Mg²⁺ ions possess the reactivity to react with atmospheric CO₂ to form magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), which is a key element of the carbon capture mechanism, a core function of the present invention. In particular, magnesium chloride in the hexahydrate form maintains a moisture content of 35-40%, thereby providing the optimal humidity environment required for the carbon capture reaction. These humidity conditions play a crucial role in increasing the speed and efficiency of the mineral carbonation reaction. Furthermore, magnesium chloride exhibits a stable de-icing effect even at cryogenic temperatures down to -20°C, ensuring usability under various climatic conditions.
[0049] Basis for selecting calcium chloride (CaCl₂)
[0050] Calcium chloride was selected to enhance the de-icing effect through strong hygroscopicity and an exothermic reaction, while simultaneously providing a raw material for the calcium carbonate formation reaction. Ca 2+Ions react with CO₂ to form calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which exhibits highly advantageous properties in terms of carbon fixation stability. Calcium chloride in its dihydrate form has high solubility at low temperatures, providing an immediate de-icing effect, and at the same time, Ca 2+ It promotes long-term carbon capture reactions through a continuous supply of ions. Additionally, calcium chloride forms eutectic points with other chloride components, exhibiting a synergistic effect on overall snow removal performance.
[0051] Basis for selecting magnesium carbonate as the main ingredient
[0052] Magnesium carbonate was selected as the primary raw material to effectively perform CO₂ capture and mineral carbonation functions. Magnesium carbonate plays a key role in effectively capturing atmospheric CO₂ and fixing it into stable carbonates under de-icing conditions of -20°C to 5°C and atmospheric pressure. This material has excellent compatibility with chloride components and possesses characteristics that can maximize carbon fixation effects in road surface spraying environments.
[0053] Rationale for Selecting Serpentine, Olivine, Brewsite, and Calcium Hydroxide as Auxiliary Raw Materials In this invention, serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide were added in amounts of less than 5% to assist the carbon capture function of magnesium carbonate. These minerals play a role in promoting and complementing the carbon capture process through their respective unique characteristics. Serpentine and olivine are magnesium-rich silicate minerals that contribute to the process of forming carbonates by reacting with CO₂. Brewcite (Mg(OH)₂) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) are alkaline substances that react directly with atmospheric CO₂ to form magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, respectively. These auxiliary raw materials improve the carbon capture efficiency of magnesium carbonate with only small additions and ensure a stable carbon fixation effect under various environmental conditions. Reasons for Selecting Auxiliary Raw Materials
[0054] Rationale for Selecting Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
[0055] Sodium hexametaphosphate was selected to prevent corrosion by forming stable complexes with metal ions based on its strong chelating ability. It solves the problem of metal corrosion that can be caused by the chloride components of de-icing agents and simultaneously plays a role in regulating the interactions between the components. In this invention, optimal chelating is induced by using SHMP with a molecular weight in the range of 15,000 to 40,000, and compatibility with other components is ensured by stabilizing the pH to 6.5 to 7.5. Furthermore, SHMP makes a significant contribution to improving the storage stability of de-icing agents and inhibiting sludge formation.
[0056] Rationale for Selecting Biochar
[0057] Biochar was selected to perform CO₂ adsorption and long-term storage functions based on its high porosity and large specific surface area. Biochar, generated during the pyrolysis of biomass, possesses a stable carbon structure that allows it to store carbon without decomposing for hundreds of years. In this invention, the CO₂ adsorption capacity was significantly improved by reactivating biochar at 600–750°C to secure a specific surface area of 150–300 m² / g. Furthermore, the porous structure of biochar provides a micro-reaction field that promotes the reactions of other carbon-reducing materials, thereby exhibiting a synergistic effect that increases overall carbon capture efficiency.
[0058] Basis for selecting Zeolite
[0059] Zeolites were selected to serve as catalysts for CO₂ capture reactions based on their unique ion exchange capabilities and selective adsorption characteristics. The regular micropore structure of zeolites selectively adsorbs and concentrates CO₂ molecules, increasing the probability of reaction with carbon reduction materials. In this invention, zeolites are used in the Na+ form for Ca 2+ , Mg 2+Active sites for the carbon capture reaction were created through ion exchange treatment with mixed ions. This ion exchange treatment is a key technology that enhances the catalytic activity of zeolites and promotes the reaction between CO₂ and metal ions.
[0060] Rationale for Selecting Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)
[0061] Layered double hydroxides were selected to enable the interlayer intercalation and stable storage of CO₂ based on their unique interlayer structure and ion exchange properties. By controlling the interlayer distance of LDH to 8.0–9.0 Å, an environment was created where CO₂ molecules can be intercalated and stably stored. This intercalation mechanism simultaneously achieves physical adsorption and chemical fixation of CO₂, thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of carbon storage. Furthermore, LDH offers multifunctionality by being able to store various anions in the interlayer, allowing for the simultaneous removal of other atmospheric pollutants such as SO₂ and NO.
[0062] Rationale for Selecting Diatomaceous Earth
[0063] Diatomaceous earth was selected to provide a platform for physical adsorption and surface reactions based on its natural siliceous porous structure. The fine pore structure of diatomaceous earth creates a microenvironment that promotes the mineral carbonation reaction of carbon-reducing raw materials by simultaneously adsorbing CO₂ and moisture. In this invention, diatomaceous earth was surface-functionalized with an aminosilane-based coupling agent to introduce amine groups and strengthen the chemical bonding force with CO₂. The amine groups selectively bind to CO₂ to form carbamates, which act as intermediates that promote subsequent carbonate formation reactions.
[0064] The systematic selection and combination of these materials goes beyond simple snow removal to realize multiple functions such as carbon capture, environmental improvement, and enhanced storage stability, thereby providing the technical foundation for next-generation eco-friendly snow removal agents.
[0065] Critical significance of each component range
[0066] Critical Significance of the Range of Main Ingredients
[0067] Critical significance of sodium chloride particle sizes in the 100-300㎛ range
[0068] Limiting the average particle size of sodium chloride to 100–300 µm is a critical condition for achieving a balance between de-icing effectiveness and carbon capture efficiency. If the particle size is less than 100 µm, excessive pulverization leads to increased airborne dispersion and poses a risk of harmful effects on workers' respiratory systems. Additionally, excessively small particles accelerate clumping due to moisture absorption, compromising storage stability. Conversely, if the size exceeds 300 µm, the dissolution rate decreases significantly, making it difficult to expect immediate de-icing effects; furthermore, the reduced contact surface area with carbon-reducing raw materials lowers the efficiency of the CO₂ capture reaction. Therefore, the 100–300 µm range represents the optimal condition for simultaneously ensuring rapid dissolution and a sufficient reaction surface area.
[0069] Critical significance of magnesium chloride moisture content of 35-40%
[0070] Controlling the moisture content of magnesium chloride in the hexahydrate form to 35-40% is a key factor in establishing the optimal humidity environment required for mineral carbonation reactions. If the moisture content is below 35%, sufficient humidity necessary for the carbonation reaction of carbon-reducing raw materials is not supplied, resulting in a significant decrease in CO₂ capture efficiency. In particular, for serpentine and olivine, effective Mg²⁺ ion leaching is possible only under appropriate humidity conditions, which is a prerequisite for the subsequent magnesium carbonate formation reaction. Conversely, excessive moisture exceeding 40% hinders the fluidity of the de-icing agent and promotes sludge formation, thereby degrading product quality. Therefore, the 35-40% range represents a critical condition that simultaneously satisfies the activation of the carbon capture reaction and product stability.
[0071] Critical significance of the main ingredient mixing ratio of sodium chloride 40-50, magnesium chloride 30-40, and calcium chloride 10-20 parts by weight
[0072] This formulation ratio represents a critical composition derived to simultaneously achieve the optimization of snow removal performance and the maximization of carbon capture efficiency. If the sodium chloride content is less than 40%, basic snow removal performance is insufficient, limiting practical application; if it exceeds 50%, sufficient space for carbon reduction materials is not secured, leading to a decrease in CO₂ capture function. In the case of magnesium chloride, if the content is less than 30%, the supply of Mg²⁺ ions is insufficient, limiting the magnesium carbonate formation reaction; if it exceeds 40%, storage problems arise due to excessive hygroscopicity. Calcium chloride exhibits insufficient low-temperature snow removal performance at less than 10%, and if it exceeds 20%, a strong exothermic reaction adversely affects the stability of other components.
[0073] Critical Significance of the Range of Magnesium Carbonate and Auxiliary Ingredients
[0074] Critical Significance of Magnesium Carbonate Content of 15-20 Parts by Weight Setting the magnesium carbonate content to 15-20 parts by weight is a critical condition for achieving a balance between optimal carbon capture efficiency and snow removal performance. Below 15 parts by weight, the carbon capture effect is not sufficiently manifested, and if it exceeds 20 parts by weight, it may have a negative effect on snow removal performance. Within this content range, magnesium carbonate can efficiently capture CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into stable carbonates while maintaining the basic performance of the snow removal agent.
[0075] Critical Significance of Less Than 5% Content of Auxiliary Materials (Serpentine, Olivine, Brewsite, Calcium Hydroxide) The reason for limiting the content of auxiliary materials such as serpentine, olivine, brusite, and calcium hydroxide to less than 5% is that these substances perform a catalytic role in promoting carbon capture reactions even in small amounts. Adding more than 5% can affect snow removal performance and is also disadvantageous in terms of economic feasibility. Even with the addition of only a small amount of less than 5%, the CO₂ capture efficiency of magnesium carbonate can be improved, and stable performance under various environmental conditions can be ensured.
[0076] Critical Significance of the Range of Auxiliary Ingredients
[0077] Critical Significance of Zeolite Ion Exchange Capacity Control
[0078] Exchanging zeolites from the Na form to a mixed ion of Ca²⁻ and Mg²⁻ is a key process for generating catalytic active sites for the CO₂ capture reaction. Na⁻ ions have low direct reactivity with CO₂, so their contribution to carbon capture is limited. On the other hand, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ Ions can react with CO₂ to form calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, respectively, thereby converting the zeolite into an active catalyst for the carbon capture reaction. Through this ion exchange treatment, CO₂ concentration and reaction occur simultaneously within the zeolite's micropores, which is a key mechanism that significantly enhances overall carbon capture efficiency.
[0079] Critical Significance of Interlayer Distance 8.0-9.0 A in Layered Double Hydroxides
[0080] Controlling the interlayer distance of the layered double hydroxide to 8.0–9.0 A is a precise condition designed to enable effective interlayer intercalation of CO₂ molecules. Since the size of a CO₂ molecule is approximately 3.3 A, physical intercalation is limited at interlayer distances below 8.0 A, resulting in a significant decrease in CO₂ storage capacity. Conversely, an excessive interlayer distance exceeding 9.0 A weakens the interaction between CO₂ molecules and the interlayer surfaces, hindering stable storage. Within the 8.0–9.0 A range, CO₂ molecules are efficiently intercalated while simultaneously forming stable physicochemical bonds, enabling long-term storage.
[0081] Execution conditions and critical significance of each step
[0082] Critical significance of the main raw material processing stage
[0083] Critical significance of heat treatment conditions of 60-70℃ for 1-2 hours
[0084] Heat treatment of the main raw material at 60-70°C for 1-2 hours is the optimal condition for simultaneously achieving crystal structure stabilization and an increase in carbon capture active sites. At temperatures below 60°C, crystal rearrangement of chloride components does not occur sufficiently, resulting in reduced stability in subsequent reactions. In particular, the hydration structure of magnesium chloride is incompletely formed, making it difficult to create the appropriate humidity environment required for the carbon capture reaction. On the other hand, at temperatures exceeding 70°C, excessive dehydration occurs, destroying the hydration structure of magnesium chloride, which leads to a significant decrease in carbon capture performance. A treatment time of less than 1 hour is insufficient for forming a homogeneous crystal structure, while exceeding 2 hours results in reduced energy efficiency and may initiate the decomposition of some components.
[0085] Critical Significance of the Carbon Reduction Raw Material Processing Stage
[0086] Critical significance of microwave irradiation processing at 2.45 GHz for 30-45 seconds
[0087] Microwave irradiation treatment of carbon-reducing raw materials is an innovative technology for inducing defects within the crystal lattice and generating CO₂ adsorption sites. The frequency of 2.45 GHz matches the resonance frequency of water molecules, enabling efficient energy transfer through trace moisture within the raw materials. This energy creates microscopic defects in the crystal lattice and partially disorders the atomic arrangement, thereby increasing the number of active reaction sites with CO₂. Treatment times of less than 30 seconds are insufficient for generating sufficient defects, while exceeding 45 seconds may result in reduced reactivity due to damage to the crystal structure caused by excessive energy input. Through this microwave treatment, it is possible to simultaneously achieve increased energy efficiency and reaction activity compared to conventional heat treatment methods.
[0088] Critical Significance of 0.1-0.3% Silica Coating
[0089] Silica coating on calcium hydroxide is a key technology for controlling the reaction rate and ensuring long-term stability. Calcium hydroxide has a very high reactivity with CO₂, so rapid carbonation occurs in the atmosphere, posing a risk that the reaction will be completed before it can perform its function as a de-icing agent. Silica coatings with less than 0.1% have a negligible effect on controlling the reaction rate, so the problem of rapid reaction still remains. On the other hand, excessive coatings exceeding 0.3% can excessively block access to CO₂, potentially impeding the carbon capture function itself. A silica coating in the range of 0.1–0.3% is the optimal condition that enables continuous CO₂ capture over a long period while suppressing the initial rapid reaction.
[0090] Critical Significance of the Auxiliary Raw Material Processing Step
[0091] Critical Significance of 600-750℃ for Biochar Reactivation Treatment
[0092] The reactivation treatment temperature of biochar is a critical condition for improving the existing pore structure and generating new adsorption sites. Below 600°C, tar components and impurities on the biochar surface are not completely removed, limiting CO₂ adsorption performance. Additionally, the expansion of existing pores is insufficient, resulting in a negligible increase in specific surface area. Conversely, at temperatures exceeding 750°C, the carbon skeleton structure of the biochar begins to be damaged, leading to a decrease in mechanical strength, while excessive pore expansion reduces structural stability. In the 600–750°C range, impurity removal and pore structure optimization are achieved simultaneously, maximizing CO₂ adsorption capacity.
[0093] Critical Significance of Aminosilane Surface Functionalization
[0094] Treatment of diatomite with aminosilane-based coupling agents is a chemical modification technique aimed at enhancing the selective binding affinity with CO₂. Amine groups (-NH₂) react with CO₂ to form carbamates (-NHCOO), which enable the chemical capture and concentration of CO₂. Untreated diatomite relies solely on physical adsorption, resulting in low CO₂ selectivity and limited adsorption capacity. Amine groups introduced to the surface of diatomite through aminosilane treatment significantly improve selectivity for CO₂ in competitive adsorption with other atmospheric gaseous components, and the formed carbamates act as intermediates for subsequent carbonate formation reactions.
[0095] Critical significance of the mixing process step
[0096] The Critical Significance of the 3-Step Sequential Input Method
[0097] The three-stage sequential addition method of auxiliary materials is a precise process design intended to optimize the unique functions of each component and maximize interactions between them. Sodium hexametaphosphate, added first, forms chelate bonds between the main ingredient and the carbon-reducing ingredient to constitute a stable matrix. The simultaneous addition of biochar and zeolite in the second stage is intended to ensure that their adsorption and catalytic functions work complementarily. Finally, layered double hydroxides and diatomite create micro-reaction spaces within the formed matrix and enhance the stability of the entire system. Through this sequential addition, competitive reactions or mutual interference between components that may occur during random mixing are minimized, thereby maximizing the functionality of each component.
[0098] Critical significance of high-speed shear mixing at 1800-2200 rpm for 3-5 minutes
[0099] High-speed shear mixing conditions are a key process for the homogeneous dispersion of nano-sized components and the prevention of aggregation. At speeds below 1800 rpm, the shear force is insufficient, preventing the complete separation of nano-particle aggregates, which leads to heterogeneous distribution among components and performance degradation. Conversely, excessive shear force exceeding 2200 rpm can damage the crystal structure of some components and induce compositional changes due to heat generation. Mixing times of less than 3 minutes are insufficient for complete dispersion, while exceeding 5 minutes may result in particle damage due to excessive shear energy. Through mixing at 1800–2200 rpm for 3–5 minutes, nano-sized components can be homogeneously dispersed without damage, enabling maximum performance.
[0100] Critical significance of vacuum drying conditions 50-60℃, pressure 0.02-0.04 MPa, 2-3 hours
[0101] The vacuum drying process is a finishing step designed to remove residual moisture and ensure long-term storage stability. At temperatures below 50°C, drying efficiency is low, making it difficult to achieve the target moisture content; conversely, temperatures exceeding 60°C may initiate thermal decomposition or structural changes in certain components. If the vacuum level is excessively high (below 0.02 MPa), some volatile components may be lost, while exceeding 0.04 MPa makes it difficult to achieve a sufficient drying effect. A drying time of less than two hours is insufficient for removing deep-seated moisture, while exceeding three hours reduces energy efficiency and may lead to over-drying of certain components. By controlling the final moisture content to 2% or less, changes in composition and quality degradation during long-term storage can be prevented.
[0102] Detailed description of the micro-enrichment step of Claim 1
[0103] Execution conditions and critical significance of the carbonate formation reaction step (e)
[0104] Reaction mechanism in road surface spraying environments
[0105] The step of forming carbonates by reacting with CO₂ after the de-icing agent composition is sprayed onto the road surface is the process in which the core function of the present invention is realized. This reaction proceeds naturally in de-icing environments ranging from -20°C to 5°C, and unlike conventional de-icing agents, it exhibits an environmental improvement effect during use. This reaction, which proceeds under atmospheric pressure conditions, proceeds effectively without special pressure conditions or external energy supply, thereby ensuring practical usability.
[0106] In the reaction process, brucite and calcium hydroxide first react directly with atmospheric CO₂ to exhibit an immediate carbon fixation effect through the reactions Mg(OH)₂ + CO₂ → MgCO₃ + H₂O and Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O. Simultaneously, Mg²⁺ ions eluted from serpentine and olivine react with CO₂ along with moisture generated during the de-icing process to form magnesium carbonate. Through this multi-stage reaction mechanism, both short-term immediate reactions and long-term sustained reactions are realized at the same time.
[0107] Scientific basis for preventing re-emission for over 300 years
[0108] The fact that the formed magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate are not re-released for over 300 years is based on the thermodynamic stability of these compounds. Calcium carbonate has a very low enthalpy of formation of -1128.8 kJ / mol under standard conditions, making it extremely thermodynamically stable and virtually impossible to decompose in nature and re-release CO₂. Magnesium carbonate also exhibits similar stability with a low enthalpy of formation of -1095.8 kJ / mol. This thermodynamic stability is maintained even on geological timescales, as evidenced by the fact that natural limestone and dolomite have existed stably for hundreds of millions of years.
[0109] In addition, carbonates formed in the road surface environment maintain a physically stable form. Carbonate crystals deposited within fine cracks or pores on the road surface have high resistance to changes in the external environment and maintain structural stability even under traffic loads or temperature changes. Through this combination of physicochemical stability, the formed carbonates can stably store carbon for a long period of over 300 years.
[0110] Reaction rate control and sustainability mechanism
[0111] The speed and persistence of the carbonate formation reaction are critical factors directly linked to the practical performance of de-icing agents. The silica coating applied to calcium hydroxide suppresses the initial rapid reaction, enabling continuous CO₂ capture even after the de-icing function is completed. Biochar and zeolites adsorb and concentrate CO₂, increasing the probability of contact with carbon reduction materials and improving reaction efficiency. The interlayer structure of layered double hydroxides simultaneously provides a field for the physical storage and chemical reaction of CO₂, enabling carbon capture over various time scales.
[0112] Through this multi-layered reaction mechanism, the immediate reaction starting right after de-icing agent application, the mid-term reaction proceeding during the de-icing process, and the long-term reaction of residual components proceed in stages, maximizing overall carbon capture efficiency and sustainability. This is an innovative technology that goes beyond simple chemical neutralization to implement a multi-stage carbon fixation mechanism and control of reaction rates over time.
[0113] Examples and Comparative Examples
[0114] Composition formulation examples and comparative examples
[0115] Composition of Examples and Comparative Examples (Unit: parts by weight) division Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 3 Comparative Example 4 Main ingredient (70 parts by weight) sodium chloride 32 28 35 42 25 38 30 magnesium chloride 24 28 21 18 35 22 25 calcium chloride 14 14 14 10 10 10 15 Magnesium carbonate (15-20 parts by weight) magnesium carbonate 17 18 16 - 15 17 18 Carbon capture auxiliary material (for carbon capture, less than 5%) serpentine 2 2 2 - 3 1.5 1 Olivine 1.5 1.5 1.5 - 2 1 1 Brewsite 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 calcium hydroxide 0.5 0.5 0.5 - 1 0.5 1 Auxiliary materials for improving stability and performance Sodium hexametaphosphate 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.5 - 0.1 0.3 Biochar 1.0 1.2 0.8 - 2.0 0.5 1.0 Zeolite 0.8 0.7 0.9 - 1.5 0.4 0.7 Layered double hydroxide 1.0 0.8 1.2 - 1.0 0.6 1.0 Diatomite 2.0 2.0 1.9 - 0.5 3.4 2.0 Total 100 100 100 70 100 100 100
[0116] Detailed manufacturing process of Example 1
[0117] Example 1 is a representative example embodying the optimal composition of the present invention and was prepared as follows. First, in the main raw material processing step, 32 parts by weight of sodium chloride were ground to an average particle size of 150 μm, 24 parts by weight of magnesium chloride hexahydrate were adjusted to a moisture content of 37%, and 14 parts by weight of calcium chloride dihydrate were prepared. These main raw materials were heat-treated at 65°C for 1.5 hours to stabilize the crystal structure.
[0118] 17 parts by weight of magnesium carbonate was prepared as the main raw material, and 2 parts by weight of serpentine, 1.5 parts by weight of olivine, 1 part by weight of brucite, and 0.5 parts by weight of calcium hydroxide were added as auxiliary raw materials to implement carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions. The carbon capture efficiency was optimized by appropriately mixing these raw materials.
[0119] In the auxiliary raw material treatment step, 0.2 parts by weight of sodium hexametaphosphate with a molecular weight of 30,000 was adjusted to pH 7.0, and 1.0 part by weight of biochar was reactivated in a nitrogen atmosphere at 700°C to secure a specific surface area of 250 m² / g. 0.8 parts by weight of zeolite contained Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ Mixed ion exchange treatment was performed, 1.0 part by weight of layered double hydroxide was controlled so that the interlayer distance was 8.5 A, and 2.0 part by weight of diatomite was surface functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane.
[0120] In the final mixing step, the main raw material was pre-mixed in a V-type mixer at 18 rpm for 7 minutes, and then the carbon reduction raw material was slowly added under conditions of 28°C and 55% relative humidity. After adding 0.15% polyvinyl alcohol binder, the auxiliary raw material was added using a three-stage sequential addition method, and the mixture was mixed in a high-speed shear mixer at 2000 rpm for 4 minutes. The moisture content was adjusted to 1.8% by vacuum drying at 55°C under a pressure of 0.03 MPa for 2.5 hours, and then classified through a 300㎛ mesh to produce the final product.
[0121] Features and manufacturing conditions of Example 2
[0122] Example 2 is a composition in which the magnesium chloride content is increased to 28 parts by weight and the olivine content is adjusted to 8 parts by weight, aiming to optimize the balance between snow removal performance at low temperatures and CO₂ capture efficiency. The increased magnesium chloride content ensures a stable snow removal effect even at cryogenic temperatures down to -25°C, while simultaneously promoting the magnesium carbonate formation reaction through an increased supply of Mg²⁺ ions. The increase in olivine content improves long-term CO₂ capture capacity and strengthens the continuous carbon fixation effect in the usage environment.
[0123] In the manufacturing process, the moisture content of magnesium chloride was adjusted to 38% to enhance the humidity environment required for the carbon capture reaction, and the surface treatment time of olivine was extended to further improve the Mg² ion elution rate. The reactivation temperature of the biochar was raised to 720℃ to secure a specific surface area of up to 280 m² / g, thereby maximizing the CO₂ adsorption capacity.
[0124] Design intent and process conditions of Example 3
[0125] Example 3 is a composition in which the sodium chloride content is increased to 35 parts by weight and the serpentine content is adjusted to 10 parts by weight, designed to maximize the mineral carbonation effect while enhancing basic snow removal performance. The increased sodium chloride content ensures immediate effects in general snow removal environments, and the increased serpentine content improves large-capacity CO₂ capture and long-term storage capabilities.
[0126] The layered double hydroxide content was increased to 1.2 parts by weight to expand the interlayer intercalation storage capacity of CO₂, and the diatomite content was adjusted to 1.9 parts by weight to optimize the overall compositional balance. In the manufacturing process, the thermal activation temperature of the serpentine was raised to 880°C and the treatment time was extended to 1.4 hours to maximize the reaction active points.
[0127] Composition and Limitations of Comparative Example 1
[0128] Comparative Example 1 is a typical conventional de-icing agent composed solely of main ingredients, without containing any carbon-reducing raw materials or auxiliary raw materials. It was manufactured with a total composition of 70 parts by weight, consisting only of 42 parts by weight of sodium chloride, 18 parts by weight of magnesium chloride, and 10 parts by weight of calcium chloride. This composition performs only basic de-icing functions and has no CO₂ capture function whatsoever, and also exhibits significant limitations in terms of storage stability and environmental friendliness.
[0129] Since the magnesium chloride content is limited to 18 parts by weight, the snow removal performance at low temperatures is insufficient, and due to the absence of carbon-reducing raw materials, the effect of reducing carbon emissions during use cannot be expected. In addition, the absence of auxiliary raw materials causes problems such as sludge formation and reduced fluidity during storage, and it is also difficult to expect a corrosion inhibition effect.
[0130] Composition Analysis and Problems of Comparative Example 2
[0131] Comparative Example 2 is a composition that includes carbon-reducing raw materials, but the mixing ratio deviates from the appropriate range and some of the auxiliary raw materials are omitted. Magnesium chloride was excessively mixed at 35 parts by weight, and an unbalanced mixture of carbon-reducing raw materials was applied with serpentine at 12 parts by weight and brucite at 3 parts by weight. Among the auxiliary raw materials, sodium hexametaphosphate was completely excluded, biochar was excessively mixed at 2.0 parts by weight, and diatomite was undermixed at 0.5 parts by weight.
[0132] Excessive addition of magnesium chloride causes excessive hygroscopicity of the de-icing agent, significantly reducing storage stability, and a lack of brucite limits the efficiency of the immediate CO₂ capture reaction. The absence of sodium hexametaphosphate makes corrosion inhibition through chelation impossible, and excessive addition of biochar results in a change in the color of the de-icing agent and an unnecessary increase in costs.
[0133] Design defects and performance limitations of Comparative Example 3
[0134] Comparative Example 3 represents a case where all components are included, but the content of some components deviates from the appropriate range. It is a composition in which 0.1 parts by weight of sodium hexametaphosphate, 0.5 parts by weight of biochar, and 0.4 parts by weight of zeolite are under-mixed, and 6 parts by weight of brucite and 3.4 parts by weight of diatomite are over-mixed.
[0135] Under-mixing of sodium hexametaphosphate makes it impossible to form sufficient chelates, resulting in a negligible corrosion inhibition effect, while a lack of biochar and zeolite causes a significant decrease in CO₂ adsorption and catalytic function. On the other hand, over-mixing of brucite poses a risk that the reaction will be completed before the de-icing function is performed due to the rapid carbonation reaction, and over-mixing of diatomite leads to an increase in the density of the de-icing agent and a decrease in spraying efficiency.
[0136] Analysis of compositional imbalance and effects of Comparative Example 4
[0137] Comparative Example 4 represents a case where the mixing ratio of carbon-reducing raw materials is extremely unbalanced. It is a composition in which serpentine and olivine are undermixed at 5 parts by weight and 4 parts by weight, respectively, and brucite and calcium hydroxide are overmixed at 8 parts by weight, respectively. Such a mixture completely loses the balance between long-term CO₂ capture capacity and immediate carbonation reaction.
[0138] A deficiency in serpentine and olivine limits the continuous supply of Mg² ions, significantly reducing the long-term carbon fixation effect. Conversely, an excessive blend of brucite and calcium hydroxide accelerates an initial rapid reaction, impairing the storage stability of the de-icing agent. Furthermore, significant carbonation occurs prior to use, reducing the CO₂ capture effect at the time of actual application.
[0139] Analysis of the impact of mixing ratio deviation on performance
[0140] By comparing the compositions of the examples and comparative examples, the critical influence of the appropriate mixing ratio of each component on overall performance can be confirmed. If the content of magnesium chloride in the main raw material exceeds 30 parts by weight, storage stability decreases rapidly, and if it is less than 18 parts by weight, low-temperature snow removal performance and Mg² ion supply capacity become insufficient. In the case of sodium chloride, if it is less than 25 parts by weight, basic snow removal performance is insufficient, and if it exceeds 40 parts by weight, it becomes difficult to secure space for carbon-reducing raw materials.
[0141] In carbon reduction materials, serpentine and olivine are responsible for long-term CO₂ capture, so it is difficult to expect a continuous carbon fixation effect when their combined total is less than 15 parts by weight. On the other hand, if the combined total of brucite and calcium hydroxide exceeds 12 parts by weight, storage stability issues arise due to rapid reactions. Since auxiliary materials each perform unique functions, if any one deviates from the appropriate range, the balance of the entire system is disrupted, causing a decline in overall performance.
[0142] These critical ranges for each component were derived through numerous trials and errors and optimization processes, representing optimal conditions that simultaneously satisfy snow removal performance, carbon capture function, storage stability, and environmental friendliness.
[0143] Experimental Example 1: Carbon Capture Performance Evaluation Test
[0144] In this experimental example, the CO₂ capture performance of the compositions of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-4 was quantitatively evaluated. The test conditions simulated a standard atmospheric environment with a CO₂ concentration of 400 ppm under atmospheric pressure conditions and a temperature of minus 10°C. 100g of each composition was spread uniformly on an aluminum tray, and the change in CO₂ concentration was measured using an infrared gas analyzer after 24, 72, and 168 hours in a sealed chamber.
[0145] The amount of carbonate formed was quantitatively analyzed by measuring the weight change of carbonate decomposing at 800°C using a thermogravimetric analyzer after recovering the composition. The types of carbonates formed were identified as magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate crystal phases through X-ray diffraction analysis, and the morphology and distribution of carbonate crystals were observed using a scanning electron microscope.
[0146] An accelerated aging test was conducted to confirm the stability of the additionally formed carbonates. Long-term stability was evaluated by measuring the decomposition rate of carbonates after storage for 30 days under conditions of 60°C and 90% relative humidity. These conditions were set to correspond to the aging effect of approximately 10 years in a natural environment.
[0147] Experimental Example 2: Snow Removal Performance Evaluation Test
[0148] To evaluate snow removal performance, the freezing point depression effect and ice melting rate were measured according to a standardized snowmelt agent test method. The test temperatures were set to -5°C, -10°C, -15°C, and -20°C, and at each temperature, 50g of the composition was added to 1L of distilled water, and the freezing point was measured using a freezing point meter.
[0149] In the ice melting rate test, 10g of the composition was uniformly spread onto a standard ice plate with a diameter of 10cm and a thickness of 2cm, and the weight of the melted ice was measured after 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes in an environment of -10℃. Each test was repeated three times, and the average value was calculated.
[0150] In addition, to simulate actual usage environments, artificial snow was applied to concrete test specimens, the composition was sprayed, and the snow removal effect was observed over time. Practical snow removal performance was evaluated by measuring the ratio of the snow-cleared area and the thickness of the remaining snow.
[0151] Experimental Example 3: Storage Stability Evaluation Test
[0152] To evaluate the storage stability of the composition, the sludge formation rate and changes in fluidity were measured. 500g of each composition was stored in a sealed container, and the degree of sludge formation was evaluated through visual observation and sieving tests after 1, 3, and 6 months under conditions of a temperature of 25℃ and a relative humidity of 60%.
[0153] The sludge formation rate was defined as the weight ratio of lumps that do not pass through a 200-mesh sieve after the storage period. Fluidity evaluation was conducted by measuring the time it takes for a certain amount of the composition to pass through a standard funnel. A quantitative evaluation was performed utilizing the characteristic that the passage time decreases as fluidity improves.
[0154] In the moisture absorption rate test, each composition was exposed to an environment with 85% relative humidity, and the change in weight over time was measured to compare and analyze the hygroscopic characteristics. Since excessive moisture absorption is a major cause of lump formation and reduced fluidity, quantitative data regarding this was obtained.
[0155] Experimental Example 4: Verification Test of Effects by Pretreatment Process
[0156] Sample preparation for verification of effectiveness by pretreatment process (Unit: parts by weight) division Experimental Example 4-1 Experimental Example 4-2 Experimental Example 4-3 Experimental Example 4-4 Experimental Example 4-5 Processing conditions serpentine thermal activation 850℃, 1.2 hours 750℃, 1.2 hours 950℃, 1.2 hours 850℃, 0.5 hours Unprocessed Brusite recipe Wet method Dry method Wet method Wet method Commercial products Biochar reactivation 700℃ 550℃ 800℃ 700℃ Unprocessed Microwave processing 35 seconds 35 seconds 35 seconds 15 seconds Non-implementation silica coating 0.2% 0.05% 0.4% 0.2% Non-implementation
[0157] To quantitatively evaluate the effects of each pretreatment condition, samples were prepared with only the treatment conditions changed from the same basic composition. To evaluate the effect of the thermal activation temperature of serpentine on the CO₂ reaction active site, the specific surface area and CO₂ adsorption amount of samples treated at 750℃, 850℃, and 950℃ were measured.
[0158] To identify differences in brucite based on the manufacturing method, the crystal morphology and reactivity of brucite produced by the wet method, brucite produced by the dry method, and commercially purchased brucite were compared and analyzed. The particle size distribution and specific surface area of each brucite were measured, and the reaction rates with CO₂ were compared.
[0159] To evaluate the effect of biochar reactivation temperature conditions on CO₂ adsorption performance, the pore structure and surface functional groups of biochar treated at 550°C, 700°C, and 800°C were analyzed. Specific surface area and pore distribution were measured using nitrogen adsorption isotherms, and changes in surface functional groups were observed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
[0160] Experimental Example 5: Environmental Improvement Effect Evaluation Test
[0161] To verify the environmental improvement effects of the compositions, soil pH buffering effects and heavy metal adsorption performance were evaluated. After adding each composition to artificially acidified soil, the change in pH was measured and the buffering capacity was quantitatively evaluated. Acidic soil adjusted to a pH of 4.5 was used as the test soil, and the pH change was measured after 7, 14, and 28 days following the mixing of the compositions at ratios of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%.
[0162] In the heavy metal adsorption test, the adsorption rate was measured after adding each composition to simulated contaminated water containing lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc ions. 1 g of the composition was added to each heavy metal solution with an initial concentration of 100 ppm and stirred for 24 hours, after which the remaining concentration was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy to calculate the adsorption rate.
[0163] To evaluate the water purification effect, the nutrient removal performance in simulated eutrophic water containing nitrogen and phosphorus was measured. After adding the composition to test water containing 50 ppm of nitrate nitrogen and 10 ppm of phosphate, the change in concentration over time was analyzed by ion chromatography.
[0164] Experimental Example 6: Evaluation Test of Road Surface Performance Improvement Effect
[0165] Tests were conducted using standard concrete specimens to evaluate the improvement in friction on the road surface and the effect of preventing refreezing after the use of the composition. After spraying the composition onto the concrete specimens, the snow removal process was simulated, and the surface roughness and friction coefficient of the formed carbonate layer were measured.
[0166] Surface roughness was measured by quantitatively analyzing the height and distribution of fine surface protrusions using a 3D surface shape measuring instrument. The coefficient of friction was measured using a slip tester with a standard rubber pad, and performance under various road surface conditions was evaluated by measuring in both dry and wet conditions.
[0167] The refreezing prevention effect was evaluated by spraying water onto concrete specimens and observing the ice formation process in an environment of -5°C. The refreezing inhibition effect was quantitatively analyzed by comparing the ice formation time and ice layer thickness between the composition treatment group and the untreated control group.
[0168] Experimental Example 7: Long-term performance sustainability evaluation test
[0169] To evaluate the long-term performance sustainability of the composition, changes in performance under repeated use conditions were measured. After simulating five repeated snow removal operations using the same composition, changes in snow removal performance and CO₂ capture performance for each cycle were tracked and observed.
[0170] The repeated use conditions in actual field conditions were simulated by recovering and drying the composition in each run and reusing it in the next run. Snow removal performance was evaluated by the freezing point depression effect, and CO₂ capture performance was evaluated by the amount of carbonate formed.
[0171] To track changes in composition, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were performed for each iteration to quantitatively analyze changes in major components and carbonate accumulation. Through this, the practical lifespan and performance sustainability of the composition were objectively evaluated.
[0172] In the temperature cycling test, the physical stability and performance changes of the composition were observed while repeating temperature changes from -20°C to 10°C 50 times. Stability in actual usage environments was verified by analyzing changes in particle size distribution and crystal structure after the temperature cycling.
[0173] Through these comprehensive experimental examples, it was confirmed that the eco-friendly de-icing agent composition with carbon capture function of the present invention exhibits superior performance compared to conventional de-icing agents, and that the various effects described in the claims have been experimentally proven.
[0174] Results and Discussion
[0175] Analysis of experimental results regarding carbon capture performance. As a result of the carbon capture performance evaluation conducted in Experimental Example 1, the compositions of the embodiments of the present invention showed significantly superior CO₂ capture ability compared to Comparative Example 1, which is a conventional de-icing agent. In the case of Example 1, after 24 hours, the CO₂ concentration inside the sealed chamber decreased from an initial 400 ppm to 315 ppm, showing a CO₂ concentration reduction effect of 21.3%, and after 72 hours, it decreased to 278 ppm, achieving a capture efficiency of 30.5%. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, almost no change in CO₂ concentration was observed even after 72 hours under the same conditions.
[0176] In the quantitative analysis of carbonate formation amount via thermogravimetric analysis, Example 1 formed 4.2g of carbonate per 100g of composition, exhibiting a high conversion rate of 85% relative to the theoretical maximum formation amount. Examples 2 and 3 also demonstrated practical carbon capture performance by showing carbonate formation amounts of 3.8g and 4.5g, respectively. This is interpreted as a result of magnesium carbonate functioning effectively as the main raw material and the auxiliary raw materials (serpentine, olivine, brucite, calcium hydroxide) added in small amounts promoting the carbon capture reaction. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the formed carbonate was mainly composed of crystalline phases of magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate, and the peak intensity and crystallinity of these compounds showed an increasing trend over time. In particular, in the examples, the calcite structure of magnesium carbonate and the aragonite structure of calcium carbonate were observed simultaneously, indicating that carbon fixation proceeded through various pathways.
[0177] The decomposition rate of carbonates formed in the accelerated aging test was measured to be 0.5% or less in all examples, confirming extremely stable carbon storage characteristics. This suggests that carbon can be stably stored in a natural environment for hundreds of years without re-release, providing the scientific basis for the re-release prevention effect of over 300 years presented in the claims.
[0178] Comprehensive Review of Snow Removal Performance Evaluation Results
[0179] In the evaluation of the snow removal performance of Experimental Example 2, all examples showed snow removal effects equivalent to or superior to Comparative Example 1, which is a conventional snow removal agent. At -10°C, the freezing point depression effect of Example 1 was measured at 8.2°C, showing superior performance compared to 7.8°C of Comparative Example 1, which is interpreted as a synergistic effect resulting from the optimal mixing ratio of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. Example 2 demonstrated excellent snow removal performance at cryogenic temperatures by exhibiting a freezing point depression effect of 9.1°C even at -20°C due to the increased magnesium chloride content.
[0180] In the ice melting rate test, the examples showed a melting rate 15-25% faster than Comparative Example 1, which is attributed to the additional ion supply provided by the carbon-reducing raw materials and the nucleation effect of the fine particles. In particular, it was observed that the water generated by the reaction of brucite and calcium hydroxide with CO₂ increased local humidity, thereby providing an additional effect that promotes the melting of ice.
[0181] In the evaluation of snow removal effects on concrete specimens simulating actual usage environments, Example 1 demonstrated the best performance by achieving over 95% snow removal coverage within 30 minutes. This is interpreted as the result of the synergistic effect of the optimal mixing ratio of the main raw materials and the balanced composition of carbon-reducing raw materials, proving efficiency in practical snow removal operations.
[0182] In-depth analysis of storage stability
[0183] The results of the storage stability evaluation of Experimental Example 3 showed that the composition of the present invention effectively solves the chronic problems of sludge formation and reduced fluidity of conventional de-icing agents. After 6 months of storage, the sludge formation rate of Example 1 was measured at 2.1%, which is significantly lower than the general standard of 3.0% or less. On the other hand, Comparative Example 1 showed a sludge formation rate of 4.8% after the same period, confirming that there are limitations to its practical use.
[0184] Of particular note is that in Comparative Example 2, in which sodium hexametaphosphate was excluded, the sludge formation rate reached 6.2%, clearly demonstrating the importance of chelating agents. Sodium hexametaphosphate is Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ It plays a key role in inhibiting crystal growth and agglomeration by forming stable complexes with ions and restricting their free movement.
[0185] In the fluidity evaluation, the examples showed only a 5-8% increase in transit time after 3 months compared to the initial state, whereas the comparative examples showed a significant decrease in fluidity of 25-40%. This difference is analyzed as the result of the combined action of the moisture-regulating effects of biochar and zeolite and the fluidity-improving effects of diatomite.
[0186] In the moisture absorption rate test, Example 1 showed a moisture increase of 3.2% after 48 hours in an environment of 85% relative humidity, whereas Comparative Example 1 showed a high moisture absorption rate of 7.8%. This means that the auxiliary materials perform an appropriate moisture absorption control function, preventing quality degradation due to excessive moisture absorption.
[0187] Verification of the optimization effect of the pretreatment process
[0188] In the verification of the effects of each pretreatment process through Experimental Example 4, the critical influence of each process condition on the final performance was clearly confirmed. Under the thermal activation temperature conditions of serpentine, Experimental Example 4-1, treated at 850°C, showed the highest CO₂ adsorption amount, while Experimental Example 4-2, treated at 750°C, showed 20% lower performance, and Experimental Example 4-3, treated at 950°C, showed 15% lower performance. This means that the layered structure of serpentine is optimally exfoliated in the range of 800-900°C, thereby maximizing the reaction active sites.
[0189] In a comparison of brucite manufacturing methods, brucite produced by the wet method showed a CO₂ reaction rate 30-40% higher than that produced by the dry method or commercial products. This suggests that the fine crystal structure and high specific surface area formed in the wet method play a decisive role in enhancing reactivity.
[0190] Under the reactivation temperature conditions for biochar, treatment at 700°C showed optimal performance, while treatment at 550°C limited performance due to incomplete removal of impurities, and treatment at 800°C reduced structural stability due to excessive damage to the carbon skeleton. As a result of nitrogen adsorption isotherm analysis, the specific surface area of the biochar treated at 700°C reached a maximum value of 280 m² / g.
[0191] X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the effect of microwave irradiation treatment was most pronounced under 35-second treatment conditions, while 15-second treatment resulted in insufficient defect formation, and exceeding 45 seconds actually caused damage to the crystal structure. This implies that there exist optimal conditions in which microwave energy introduces appropriate disorder into the crystal lattice to increase CO₂ adsorption sites.
[0192] Quantitative evaluation of environmental improvement effects
[0193] In the evaluation of the environmental improvement effect of Experimental Example 5, the composition of the present invention demonstrated a comprehensive environmental purification function beyond simple carbon capture. In the soil pH buffering test, Example 1 showed an effect of improving the pH of acidic soil from 4.5 to 6.8, bringing it to a level close to neutral. This is interpreted as a result of the formed carbonates neutralizing acidic substances in the soil while providing a continuous buffering capacity.
[0194] In terms of heavy metal adsorption performance, high removal rates of 92% for lead, 88% for cadmium, 85% for copper, and 90% for zinc were achieved. This excellent adsorption performance is the result of the combined action of the ion exchange capacity of the layered double hydroxide, the selective adsorption characteristics of the zeolite, and the co-precipitation effect of the formed carbonate.
[0195] In the evaluation of water purification effects, it was shown to have a removal efficiency of 78% for nitrate nitrogen and 85% for phosphate, proving that it can contribute to preventing eutrophication and improving water quality. In particular, the porous structure of diatomite and the adsorption capacity of biochar were observed to play an important role in the removal of nutrients.
[0196] Technical Significance of Road Surface Performance Improvement Effect
[0197] The road surface performance improvement effect evaluated in Experimental Example 6 demonstrated that the present invention can contribute to improving road safety and durability beyond snow removal functions. As a result of measuring surface roughness, the average roughness of the concrete surface increased by 15-20% after treatment with the composition, which is interpreted as the effect of the formed carbonate crystals forming a fine protrusion structure to increase the contact area.
[0198] In the measurement of the friction coefficient, an increase in friction force of 25% was observed in dry conditions and 30% in wet conditions, confirming that it can contribute to shortening the vehicle's braking distance and preventing skidding accidents. In particular, the greater improvement in friction force in wet conditions is analyzed to be due to the hydrophilic surface of the carbonate inhibiting the formation of a water film, thereby increasing direct contact between the tire and the road surface.
[0199] In the evaluation of the refreezing prevention effect, the composition treatment group showed a significant refreezing inhibition effect, with ice formation time delayed by 40% and ice layer thickness reduced by 35% compared to the untreated control group. This is the result of a complex mechanism in which the remaining chloride components and formed carbonates inhibit nucleation and hinder ice crystal growth.
[0200] Comprehensive evaluation of long-term performance sustainability
[0201] The results of the long-term performance sustainability evaluation of Experimental Example 7 demonstrated that the composition of the present invention can maintain stable performance even under conditions of repeated use in actual field conditions. Even after 5 repeated uses, the snow removal performance maintained over 90% of the initial level, and the CO₂ capture performance showed a cumulative increase with each use.
[0202] This cumulative performance improvement is interpreted as a self-catalytic effect in which carbonates formed during use provide new reaction nuclei to promote subsequent reactions. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that as the cycle progressed, the crystallinity of the carbonates improved and new polymorphs were formed, establishing a more stable carbon storage structure.
[0203] In the temperature cycle test, no significant changes in particle size distribution or crystal structure were observed even after 50 repetitions, confirming physical stability in actual usage environments. This is attributed to the optimal formulation design considering the differences in thermal expansion coefficients of each component and the effective operation of the binder system.
[0204] In-depth examination of the interaction mechanisms between components
[0205] A comprehensive analysis of the experimental results confirmed that the superior performance of the present invention stems not only from the individual contributions of each component but also from the sophisticated interactions between them. The main raw materials, chlorides, provide basic de-icing functions and establish the ionic environment necessary for the reactions of carbon-reducing materials; conversely, the carbon-reducing materials share the roles of immediate and long-term reactions according to their respective reaction characteristics, thereby enabling continuous carbon capture over time.
[0206] The auxiliary materials each perform their own unique functions while also playing complementary roles. A sophisticated division of labor system is established in which the chelation formation of sodium hexametaphosphate provides a stable matrix, biochar and zeolite are responsible for CO₂ concentration and reaction promotion, and layered double hydroxide and diatomite provide multi-stage adsorption and storage space.
[0207] This multi-layered interaction mechanism creates synergistic effects that cannot be achieved through simple component mixing, and constitutes the core technical value of the present invention. In particular, it was experimentally confirmed that the critical influence of the content of each component and processing conditions on the balance of the entire system is the result of precise design and optimization.
[0208] Therefore, the results of this experiment clearly demonstrate that all technical effects presented in the claims, such as carbon capture function, snow removal performance, storage stability, and environmental improvement effects, are feasible based on scientific grounds, and show that the present invention can overcome the limitations of existing technology and present a new paradigm for next-generation eco-friendly snow removal technology.
Claims
Claim 1 A method for manufacturing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, comprising: (a) a step of preparing one or more of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as main raw materials for the de-icing function; (b) a step of preparing magnesium carbonate as the main raw material for carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions, and one or more of serpentine, olivine, brucite (Mg(OH)₂), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO) as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5%; (c) a step of preparing one or more of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), biochar, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), zeolite, layered double hydroxide (LDH), and diatomite as auxiliary raw materials for storage stability and performance enhancement; (d) mixing all the raw materials prepared in steps a) to c) to simultaneously provide a de-icing function and an ambient temperature of -20°C to 5°C and atmospheric pressure conditions. A step of preparing a de-icing agent composition capable of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and fixing it into carbonates that are not re-emitted for more than 300 years; (e) a step of enabling the de-icing agent composition to react with CO₂ in a road surface spraying environment to form one or more carbonates selected from magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to achieve a carbon fixation effect; wherein step (a) comprises: a1) a step of grinding the sodium chloride (NaCl) to an average particle size range of 100-300㎛ to increase the surface area by 2-3 times compared to before fine grinding; a2) a step of preparing the magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) in the form of a hexahydrate, while adjusting the moisture content to 35-40 wt% to provide a humid environment for the carbon capture reaction; a3) a step of preparing the calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the form of a dihydrate to provide de-icing performance at low temperatures along with Ca 2+ A method for manufacturing an eco-friendly de-icing agent composition having a carbon capture function, comprising: a step of promoting a calcium carbonate formation reaction through ion supply; a4) a step of mixing and formulating the main raw materials such that the total amount of the main raw materials is 100 parts by weight, comprising 40-50 parts by weight of sodium chloride, 30-40 parts by weight of magnesium chloride, and 10-20 parts by weight of calcium chloride; a5) a step of heat-treating the main raw materials obtained from step a4) at 60-70°C for 1-2 hours to stabilize the crystal structure and increase the carbon capture active sites; wherein step (b) comprises: b1) a step of making the magnesium carbonate chloride perform a carbon capture function using the main raw material; and b2) a step of adding the serpentine, olivine, brucite, and calcium hydroxide as auxiliary raw materials in an amount of less than 5% to assist in carbon capture and mineral carbonation functions. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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