Reduction of Energy Consumption in Cement Industry Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

The present study investigates the possibility of introducing zinc oxide nanoparticles into the cement raw mix so as to reduce the energy consumption and ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ emissions during processing. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are prepared via a hydrothermal growth method using zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide as precursors. The percentages of zinc oxide nanopowder added to the cement raw material was varied between 1% and 3%. The resulted clinker and cement samples were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and compressive strength tests. It is concluded that the addition of 1% synthesized zinc oxide nanopowder into portland cement production improves the burnability of the cement raw mixture. A reduction of clinker temperature up to 1,300°C, instead of the 1,450°C–1,500°C usually required, was achieved, thereby enabling a reduction in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The 28-day strength is within the target design compressive strength of $42.5\mathrm{N}/{\mathrm{mm}}^2$.