Amino Acid Polyol Absorbent for Direct Air Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies face challenges such as amine loss during regeneration, requirement of steam for regeneration, and absorption liquid loss due to entrainment and evaporation when capturing carbon dioxide from ambient air, which limits their efficiency and operational simplicity.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent composition comprising an aqueous solution of hydroxide, amino acid, and polyol, with a molar excess of hydroxide over amino acid, enhances carbon dioxide absorption by forming carbonate or bicarbonate, and utilizes polyols to increase solubility and reduce water evaporation, while maintaining viscosity and interface compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional amine-based absorbents are used in liquid direct air capture, then CO2 absorption capability is achieved, but amine loss occurs through degeneration during regeneration and oxidation by oxygen in air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorbent by using amino acid salts instead of conventional amine-based absorbents. This fundamental parameter change eliminates the degradation and oxidation issues inherent to amines while maintaining CO2 absorption capability through alternative chemical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by combining amino acid salts with specific additives and using mixed solvent systems (aqueous or non-aqueous). This composite approach creates a synergistic absorbent formulation that enhances CO2 capture performance while eliminating the harmful properties of conventional amines.
2Productivity
If conventional liquid absorbents are used in direct contact with air in scrubbers, then CO2 absorption is achieved, but loss of absorption liquid occurs by entrainment and evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the absorbent system by selecting amino acid salts with appropriate volatility characteristics and using non-aqueous solvents where applicable. These parameter changes significantly reduce evaporation losses compared to conventional aqueous amine solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable absorbent bed concept where the absorbent material is contained in replaceable cartridges or columns. Once saturated, the entire absorbent assembly is replaced rather than regenerated, eliminating losses from regeneration processes and simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If steam is used for regeneration of conventional absorbents, then CO2 can be released from the absorbent, but additional energy consumption and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable absorbent cartridges that are replaced rather than regenerated. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex regeneration infrastructure and steam energy input, as the absorbent is used once and then discarded or disposed of in a simplified manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the regeneration step from the overall CO2 capture process by using disposable absorbents. This extraction eliminates the need for thermal regeneration infrastructure and associated energy consumption, simplifying the system to only require absorption and periodic replace ment of absorbent cartridges.
4Productivity
If conventional DAC equipment is installed, then CO2 capture capability is achieved, but installation complexity and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CO2 capture system into modular, standalone absorbent cartridges or columns that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows for simple installation without complex integration with existing infrastructure, as each module operates independently and can be placed in various locations including distributed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable absorbent cartridge system is designed for simple plug-and-play installation without requiring complex regeneration infrastructure, steam supply systems, or specialized operational expertise. The system serves itself by using replaceable cartridges that eliminate the need for complex regeneration equipment.
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
The solution significantly improves carbon dioxide absorption rates and reduces water evaporation, leading to more efficient capture and regeneration of CO2, even at lower pH levels, and allows for simpler, cost-effective operation with reduced risk of absorbent leakage through membranes.
Implementation Method 1
An absorbent composition comprising an aqueous solution of hydroxide, amino acid, and polyol, with a molar excess of hydroxide over amino acid, enhances carbon dioxide absorption by forming carbonate or bicarbonate
Implementation Method 2
utilizes polyols to increase solubility and reduce water evaporation
Implementation Method 3
utilizes polyols to increase solubility and reduce water evaporation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorbent composition for absorbing carbon dioxide from a gas mixture, in particular from ambient air. The present invention also relates to methods for separating and recovering carbon dioxide from said gas mixture. The present invention also relates to systems for separating and recovering carbon dioxide from said gas mixture.