Optimal solvent design for CO2 capture process

Abstract

Development of alternative CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) have become important for sustainable and environmental reasons. Various promising solvents are used to capture CO2 such as MEA, DEA, potassium carbonate and recently co-blending of solvents. However, the major drawbacks of using these solvents are degenerative issue, energy intensive for regeneration process and environmental impact. Traditionally, designing a solvent for carbon capture involves a trial and error approach where potential candidates are subjected to laboratory testing. However, this process is time-consuming and often has no guarantee that the tested solvent properties adhere to the desired property range. Hence, a systematic framework for optimal solvent design for CO2 capture is discussed in this paper. The solvent design problem has been formulated using model-based approach to meet specified target properties such as density, solubility, viscosity, vapour pressure, CO2 absorption capacity and thermal stability. The number of blend solvent was then systematically ranked according to a desired process performance, cost and environmental friendliness.