Amine Solvent Compositions for Faster, Safer CO2 Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carbon capture technologies using amine solvents are limited by low CO2 capture capacity and slow reaction rates, and existing amine solvents pose health and environmental risks, necessitating the development of safer and more efficient amine-based compositions.

Innovation Solution

The use of amine solvents such as 2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, and meglumine, optionally combined with other amines like methyl diethanolamine and dimethylethanolamine, in aqueous solutions, to enhance CO2 capture capacity and reaction rates, while ensuring safety and compatibility with existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional amine solvents (e.g., monoethanolamine) are used for CO2 capture, then the system is compatible with existing technology, but the CO2 capture capacity and reaction rates are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture capacity and reaction rateVSAvoidcompatibility with existing systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the amine solvent by introducing new amine compounds (2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, meglumine) with different molecular structures and properties compared to conventional amines like monoethanolamine. These parameter changes in solvent composition directly improve CO2 capture capacity and reaction rates while maintaining operational compatibility with existing carbon capture systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite amine solvent formulations that combine multiple amine compounds together. This composite approach leverages the complementary strengths of different amines to achieve superior CO2 capture performance compared to single-component solvents, while the overall formulation remains compatible with existing carbon capture infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If amine solvents are used to capture CO2, then CO2 capture is achieved, but health and environmental risks arise from existing amine solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture amountVSAvoidhealth and environmental risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces alternative amine solvents that are designed to be safer and more environmentally friendly replacements for conventional amines. These new solvents maintain effective CO2 capture capability while reducing toxicity and environmental persistence, effectively replacing harmful substances with safer alternatives that achieve the same functional goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If higher amine concentrations are used in aqueous solutions, then CO2 capture capacity increases, but energy consumption for regeneration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption for regeneration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of amine solvents in aqueous solutions to achieve an optimal balance between CO2 capture capacity and regeneration energy requirements. By carefully selecting amine concentrations and types, the system maximizes CO2 uptake while minimizing the thermal energy needed for solvent regeneration, thereby improving overall process efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These amine solvents demonstrate higher CO2 capture capacity and faster reaction rates, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, and allow for efficient CO2 absorption and regeneration, facilitating its storage and utilization.

Implementation Method 1

techniques for transferring and chemically transforming CO2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

capturing and reacting with CO2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

treatment with pressurized steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal desorption: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12544708B2Amine solvent-based carbon capture compositions

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A composition for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture includes 2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, meglumine, or combinations thereof. A process of CO2 capture includes mixing a CO2-containing gas with the composition. A system includes a component for receiving a gas and the composition, which absorbs CO2 from the gas. A further composition includes a first amine solvent selected from 2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, and meglumine and a second amine solvent independently selected from 2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, meglumine, ethyl diethanolamine, dimethylethanolamine, piperidine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and monoethanolamine. A further process includes reacting CO2 with an amine selected from 2-aminocyclohexanol, cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, and meglumine.