In the quest to mitigate carbon emissions, researchers are turning to innovative solutions that could make a significant impact on the energy sector. A recent study published in the journal “Chemical Engineering Transactions” by Stefania Moioli and her team at the Politecnico di Milano has shed new light on the solubility of CO2 in amine solvents, a critical factor in carbon capture technologies.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a promising avenue for reducing CO2 emissions from industrial production and power generation. However, traditional amine solvents, while effective, come with high energy consumption, toxicity, and corrosion issues, making them less than ideal for large-scale applications. This is where Moioli’s research comes into play.
“The lack of detailed physical-chemical properties for novel systems is a significant hurdle in developing new solvents for CO2 capture,” Moioli explains. To address this, her team installed an experimental unit at the Process Thermodynamics laboratory (PT lab) of Politecnico di Milano. This unit is designed to collect crucial data on the solubility and diffusivity of gases, primarily CO2, in low-volatile liquids that could serve as potential solvents.
The team began by validating their experimental procedure using a 30% weight MonoEthanolAmine (MEA) solvent, one of the most developed solvents already in industrial use. They considered both the absorption and regeneration sections, operating at different temperatures, to understand the equilibrium conditions in the experimental unit.
Moioli’s research is not just about collecting data; it’s about understanding the underlying thermodynamics. By comparing different thermodynamic models, the team aimed to identify the one that best describes the system. This understanding is crucial for developing new solvents that can overcome the limitations of traditional ones.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are substantial. As the world seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources, the need for effective carbon capture technologies becomes ever more pressing. Moioli’s work could pave the way for the development of novel solvents that are more efficient, less toxic, and less corrosive, ultimately making CCUS a more viable option for reducing CO2 emissions.
In the words of Moioli, “Our research is a step towards overcoming the issues due to the lack of experimental data on novel systems. It’s about making CCUS more efficient and sustainable.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, research like Moioli’s will be instrumental in shaping the future of carbon capture technologies. By providing a deeper understanding of the solubility of CO2 in amine solvents, this study could lead to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions for reducing carbon emissions.