In a significant stride toward making carbon capture more efficient and cost-effective, researchers have developed two novel polyamine-based absorbents that could revolutionize the way gas-fired power plants approach decarbonization. Published in the journal *Power Technology*, the study led by HUANG Zhongyuan from the North China Electric Power Test and Research Institute, China Datang Corporation Science and Technology General Research Institute Ltd., presents a promising solution to one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The research focuses on improving the performance of chemical absorbents used in post-combustion carbon capture, a technology that has seen limited large-scale application due to high operational energy consumption and costs. “To reduce the energy consumption, particularly the regeneration energy consumption, it is necessary to carry out experimental research to improve the performance of chemical absorbents,” HUANG explained. The team developed two novel polyamine-based absorbents—19% diethylaminoethanol + 9% piperazine + 2% MEA (DT01-5) and 20% 1,4-butanediamine + 5% methyldie-thanolamine+5% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (DT02-3)—which significantly outperform the commonly used monoethanolamine (MEA) in several key areas.
Through rigorous laboratory testing and engineering validation, the researchers found that the new absorbents offer substantial improvements in absorption loading, absorption rate, desorption rate, and cyclic capacity. Perhaps most notably, the energy consumption of the two absorbents was reduced by 15.84% and 9.32%, respectively, compared to MEA in small-scale experimental setups. When scaled up to a 3,000 m3/h industrial test, the regeneration heat consumption of the two absorbents decreased by 32.89% and 39.52%, respectively, while the capture power consumption also saw significant reductions of 9.83% and 16.14%.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As HUANG noted, “The two novel polyamine absorbents demonstrate strong potential for commercial applications.” The total operating cost reductions of 25.95% and 34.14% for the two absorbents, respectively, could make carbon capture a more viable and attractive option for gas-fired power plants looking to reduce their carbon footprint without incurring prohibitive costs.
This research not only highlights the potential of polyamine-based absorbents but also underscores the importance of continued innovation in the field of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). As the energy sector grapples with the need to balance economic viability and environmental responsibility, advancements like these offer a glimmer of hope for a more sustainable future. With the findings published in *Power Technology*, the stage is set for further exploration and commercialization of these groundbreaking absorbents, potentially reshaping the landscape of carbon capture technology.