A Comprehensive Review of CO2 Capture: Focusing on Solid Adsorbents for CO2 Separation

Thongthai Witoon

Authors

Thongthai Witoon Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University

Keywords:

Adsorbents, CO2 capture, CO2 emissions, Global warming, Separation

Abstract

This review presents an extensive examination of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies as potential solutions to global climate change through the reduction of CO₂ emissions. A particular focus is placed on CO₂ capture, especially via adsorption techniques, which are crucial for the overall efficacy and viability of the CCS process. We scrutinize three dominant CO₂ capture technologies—pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion, discussing their unique attributes, merits, and challenges. Pre-combustion capture typically results in a high-pressure, high-concentration CO₂ stream. Conversely, post-combustion capture deals with flue gas post-combustion, leading to a low-pressure, low-concentration CO₂ stream. Oxy-fuel combustion, wherein fuel undergoes combustion in pure oxygen, results in flue gas with a high CO₂ concentration, simplifying the separation process. This review further investigates diverse adsorbents including zeolites, activated carbon, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and amine-functionalized materials. Zeolites and MOFs excel under high-pressure conditions, aligning well with pre-combustion capture, while amine-functionalized materials, with their chemical affinity towards CO₂, are more appropriate for conditions of lower CO₂ concentrations found in post-combustion capture. Each category demonstrates potential for CO₂ adsorption in laboratory studies. Finally, the review suggests avenues for future research and development, such as enhancing the stability and reducing the cost of amine-functionalized materials, improving the selectivity and capacity of MOFs, and fabricating new zeolite and activated carbon materials with superior performance. By understanding CO₂ capture technologies and enhancing the materials used in these processes, we can continue to innovate and progress in our collective response to climate change.

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