Accelerated carbonation curing (ACC) has emerged as a promising approach to enhance early-age performance in cementitious materials while increasing \(\:{CO}_{2}\) uptake. Despite significant growth in ACC research, the literature remains fragmented due to variability in binder systems, curing protocols, durability assessments, and experimental scales. A consolidated evaluation is therefore needed to clarify performance trends, identify recurring limitations, and assess the feasibility of ACC for industrial implementation. This systematic review demonstrates that ACC consistently enhances early mechanical performance and \(\:{CO}_{2}\) uptake across multiple binder types, but that its industrial potential is influenced by durability uncertainties, heterogeneous testing practices, and generally low technology readiness levels (TRLs). Analysis of 96 experimental studies show that OPC-based blends remain the most validated and reproducible ACC systems, demonstrating reliable strength enhancement and meaningful \(\:{CO}_{2}\) uptake across diverse curing conditions. Their strong evidence base, compatibility with existing supply chains, and suitability for precast operations make them the most feasible near-term deployment route. In contrast, emerging binders (such as magnesia and belite) often exhibit high carbonation efficiency and promising mechanical performance. Still, they remain constrained by raw material variability, sensitivity to curing conditions, and limited experimental scale, which limit their readiness for structural or large-scale applications. Overall, the evidence suggests that ACC is diverging into specialized binder pathways rather than converging toward a universal Portland cement alternative. Advancing ACC technologies will require standardized testing protocols, consistent durability evaluations, and validated life-cycle assessments to ensure that claimed carbon benefits translate into reliable, scalable industrial practice.
