NMR Insights into Dynamic Salt Ion Binding and Stability Regulation in Low-Carbon Binders

Objective

This project, acronym Cl-BIND, aims to advance the fundamental understanding and regulation of chloride ion binding in low-carbon cementitious binders, with the dual goal of promoting the safe use of seawater and sea-sand resources and improving the long-term durability of sustainable construction materials. The key objectives are to clarify the mechanisms and dynamic behaviour of chloride binding, to evaluate the stability of such binding under realistic conditions, and to identify strategies for regulating these processes through binder design. The project will employ a combination of advanced experimental techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), supported by multiscale microstructural analysis and validation. These approaches will enable real-time monitoring of chloride ion interactions with hydration products, providing direct evidence of binding dynamics and the evolution of stability over time. By linking ion binding behaviour with microstructural development across scales, the study will establish a mechanistic basis for stability regulation in low-carbon binders. Special emphasis will be placed on systems incorporating seawater and sea-sand, providing the critical knowledge required to broaden their safe and sustainable application. The expected outcomes are a mechanistic framework for chloride ion binding and stability regulation in low-carbon binders, with guidance to improve durability in chloride-rich environments. The project combines chemistry, materials science, and engineering validation, aligning with MSCA goals of interdisciplinarity, mobility, and societal impact. It will also train the researcher in advanced in situ and NMR methods, strengthening interdisciplinary skills and career prospects. The results will support the European Green Deal by enabling wider use of seawater-derived resources in low-carbon construction and advancing climate-neutral infrastructure.