Title: Single solvents, solvent blends, and advanced solvent systems in CO₂ capture by absorption: a review

Authors: Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Addresses: Wrocław University of Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland

Abstract: CO₂ capture by absorption requires solvents which can meet performance criteria such as fast absorption rate, high CO₂ loading capacity, low regeneration energy, low degradation rate, low corrosiveness, low environmental impact and low solvent cost. The development of a suitable solvent is central for design of decarbonised power plants with minimal energy penalty in a cost-effective and environmentally benign manner. Therefore, the current review characterises promising single solvents, solvent blends, and advanced solvent systems, suitable for CO₂ capture applications by solvent absorption. The focus is on comparison of solvents by means of carefully selected performance criteria. The review analyses the state of the art, major technological advantages, as well as R&D challenges of promising single solvents, solvent blends, and advanced solvent systems in large-scale CO₂ capture applications.

Keywords: CO2; carbon dioxide; carbon capture; solvent absorption; power plants; performance evaluation; single solvents; solvent blends; advanced solvent systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2015.067749

International Journal of Global Warming, 2015 Vol.7 No.2, pp.184 - 225

Received: 19 Feb 2013
Accepted: 08 May 2013
Published online: 05 Mar 2015 *

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