In a significant stride towards mitigating climate change, a team of researchers has demonstrated a promising method to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using an absorption technique that could bolster Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. The study, led by O. H. Cahyonugroho and colleagues, was recently published in the journal “Nature Environment and Pollution Technology,” translated to English for broader accessibility.
The research focuses on the absorption of CO2 using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) solutions, comparing their effectiveness in capturing CO2 emitted from industrial combustion processes. “The goal was to determine the impact of solution and gas flow rates on the removal of dissolved CO2 gas,” explained Cahyonugroho, whose affiliation details were not provided.
The team employed sampling and alkalimetric methods to analyze the variation of absorbent flow rates (2, 4, and 6 L.min-1) against gas flow rates (10, 20, and 30 L.min-1). Their findings revealed that the most effective flow rate variation was achieved at 2 L.min-1 with a gas flow rate of 30 L.min-1. Notably, the NaOH solution absorbed 52% of CO2 gas, with an electric voltage of 0.817 Volt, outperforming KOH, which absorbed 48% with an electric voltage of 0.798 Volt.
The analysis results suggest that the absorbed CO2 can be converted into electrochemical-based electrical energy, presenting a dual benefit: reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable energy. “This correlation between the flow rates and the absorption efficiency opens new avenues for optimizing CCS technologies,” Cahyonugroho remarked.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As industries strive to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations, innovative CCS technologies like this could become integral to reducing carbon footprints. The ability to convert captured CO2 into electrical energy adds a layer of economic viability, making such technologies more attractive for commercial adoption.
This research not only highlights the potential of NaOH as a more effective absorbent but also underscores the importance of optimizing flow rates to enhance absorption efficiency. As the world grapples with the urgent need to curb global warming, such advancements in CCS technology offer a beacon of hope. The study’s findings could pave the way for future developments in carbon capture, storage, and utilization, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
The research was published in “Nature Environment and Pollution Technology,” a journal dedicated to advancing environmental science and technology.