2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol as additive to enhance carbon dioxide removal by monoethanolamine emulsion liquid membrane

Abstract

Aqueous Monoethanolamine (MEA) is widely used as the Carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbent in process industries. Recent technology has shown that a mixture of MEA with other amines can enhance its capability as CO2 absorbent. The addition of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) into aqueous phase containing MEA was reported in this study. The aqueous solution was homogenized with the organic solution containing kerosene and Span-80 to produce Emulsion Liquid Membrane (ELM). Rotating disc contactor was used in the CO2 absorption process to maintain the stability of the emulsion. 55.17% of CO2 was removed when 8 mL of MEA was used in the aqueous phase whereas when 8 mL AMP was used, only 41.72% of CO2 was removed. On the other hand, CO2 percentage removal increased to 60.72% when 2 mL of AMP was added into the ELM that containing 6 mL of MEA. Stability of the MEA/AMP mixture ELM after 24 h was 89%. The results indicate that a mixture of MEA/AMP is stable and can enhance the CO2 removal.