Amine-Functionalized Cellulose Polymers for Low-Temperature CO2 Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for capturing CO2 from air suffer from low efficiency, high regeneration temperatures, and the use of costly or environmentally unfriendly materials, particularly in the context of distributed emission sources and post-consumer textile waste utilization.

Innovation Solution

Development of amine-functionalized cellulose polymers, specifically comprising repeating units that can crosslink with polyalkylenimines or alkylsilanes, which are used to capture CO2 from gas streams and can be regenerated efficiently, with the polymers being formulated into powders or textiles for effective CO2 sorption and desorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional amine sorbents are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 adsorption capacity is achieved, but regeneration temperature becomes excessively high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 adsorption capacityVSAvoidregeneration temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite materials by combining cellulose (a natural polymer) with grafted amine functional groups. This composite structure allows the material to achieve high CO2 adsorption capacity through the amine groups while the cellulose backbone provides thermal stability and facilitates regeneration at lower temperatures compared to conventional amine sorbents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the sorbent by grafting different amine functional groups (primary, secondary, tertiary amines) onto the cellulose backbone. This parameter modification optimizes the balance between CO2 adsorption capacity and regeneration temperature, allowing efficient CO2 capture and regeneration at moderate temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If existing CO2 capture methods are implemented, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 removal efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a disposable or easily replaceable cellulose-based sorbent that can be used for CO2 capture and then regenerated or replaced without complex operational procedures. The simplicity of the cellulose-amine composite allows for straightforward operation while maintaining high CO2 removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional CO2 sorbent materials are used, then CO2 capture function is achieved, but material cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture functionVSAvoidmaterial cost and environmental friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses cellulose, a naturally abundant and renewable material, as the base polymer for the CO2 sorbent. This self-service approach leverages a readily available, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly material to perform CO2 capture functions, eliminating the need for expensive and environmentally harmful synthetic materials while maintaining reliable CO2 capture performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230139921A1Amine-functionalized Cellulose Polymers for CO2 Capture

Publication Date: 2023.05.04 THE HONG KONG RES INST OF TEXTILES & APPAREL

AI summary

Provided herein are amine-functionalized cellulose polymers useful for carbon dioxide capture and methods of preparation and use thereof.