Composite Catalyst for CO2 Absorbent Regeneration

The patent introduces catalysts (metal oxides such as Fe2O3, NiO, MoO3, or their combinations) to change the chemical reaction parameters, enabling CO2 desorption at lower temperatures (below 100°C). The catalysts modify the reaction mechanism by donating protons to decompose carbamates, thereby reducing the thermal energy required for regeneration while maintaining effective CO2 desorption capacity.

The patent employs catalysts as intermediary substances that facilitate the decomposition of carbamates into CO2 and regenerated amine. These catalysts act as mediators between the thermal energy input and the chemical reaction, lowering the activation energy barrier and enabling the process to proceed at reduced temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between desorption capacity and energy consumption.

The patent uses composite materials consisting of metal oxide catalysts supported on porous carriers (such as activated carbon, silica gel, or alumina). This composite structure combines the high surface area and porosity of the carrier with the catalytic activity of the metal oxides, achieving both improved reaction kinetics and reduced heat duty. The composite catalysts facilitate faster carbamate decomposition compared to alternative solvents while maintaining lower energy consumption than conventional MEA processes.

The patent applies local quality by concentrating catalytic active sites (metal oxide particles) on the surface and within the pores of the porous carrier. This localized distribution of catalytic activity enhances the reaction kinetics at specific locations where carbamate decomposition occurs, while the overall system maintains low heat duty. The porous carrier provides a high surface area for catalyst dispersion, ensuring efficient local catalytic action without requiring slow-reacting alternative solvents.

The patent employs inexpensive metal oxides (Fe2O3, NiO, MoO3) as catalysts, which are abundant, inexpensive, and can be easily synthesized. These catalysts are loaded onto porous carriers to create cost-effective composite catalysts that can operate effectively for multiple cycles. The use of these economical materials, rather than expensive precious metal catalysts, significantly reduces manufacturing costs while still achieving the desired reduction in desorption temperature and energy consumption.

The patent utilizes porous materials (activated carbon, silica gel, alumina) as carriers for the metal oxide catalysts. These porous carriers provide high surface area and porosity, enabling efficient catalyst dispersion and mass transfer. The porous structure enhances the catalytic activity per unit mass of expensive metal oxide, thereby reducing the overall catalyst loading and cost. Additionally, the porous carrier itself is inexpensive and easily manufacturable, further reducing the overall catalyst system cost while maintaining effective low-temperature desorption performance.