Development of New Sorbent Systems for CO2 Post-Combustion Capture

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is an effective CO2 abatement technology to mitigate the negative effects of its atmospheric emission on the global climate. Chemical solvents based on aqueous systems are the only viable option for post-combustion CO2 capture currently; however, the conventional solvent-based technology still has serious limitations for a large scale implementation, i.e. high parasitic energy demands and high capital expenses.

This collaborative research project focuses on developing advanced sorbent systems for CO2 post-combustion capture from a dilute gas stream. Our research and development program focuses on two-types of CO2 capture sorbents: amine-based aqueous solvent and CO2-binding organic liquid (CO2-BOL). Chemical screening, synthesis and evaluation of newly developed CO2 capture solvent for CO2 separation from flue gas are the major tasks of our collaborative research program. The project will also build our molecular understanding of the newly developed CO2 capture systems.

Development of the proposed advance CO2 capture sorbents will facilitate the Masdar Institute's ability to contribute to and lead the development of CCS technology. It will also open up future extended collaborations with world-class research institutes, technology developers, and end-users. The research activities provide students at Masdar Institute with a wide range of fundamental and technical knowledge of both scientific and engineering aspects of this chemical separation.