Moisture Swing Adsorption CO2 Capture Using Porous Polymer Sorbent

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current direct air capture systems for CO2 emission mitigation face inefficiencies due to high energy costs and water consumption, particularly in temperature swing adsorption methods, which limit their thermodynamic efficiency and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A moisture swing adsorption method utilizing a porous polymer sorbent with a specific repeat unit structure that selectively binds and releases CO2, reducing the need for heat management and minimizing water usage by employing a quaternary ammonium ion-based porous polymer that adsorbs CO2 under dry conditions and desorbs with moisture exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If temperature swing adsorption (TSA) is used for CO2 capture, then CO2 can be separated from gas mixtures, but significant energy is consumed for cyclic heating and cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the swing parameter from temperature (TSA) to moisture content (MSA). Instead of using heat to drive adsorption and desorption, the system uses moisture exposure to trigger CO2 release from the quaternary ammonium-functionalized porous polymer, thereby eliminating the need for cyclic heating and cooling while maintaining effective CO2 capture and release cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the thermal field (heating/cooling system) with a moisture field (humid air exposure). The quaternary ammonium functional groups on the porous polymer selectively bind CO2 under dry conditions and release it upon exposure to moisture, substituting the mechanical/thermal energy input with a chemical moisture-triggered mechanism that requires minimal energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional DAC systems are deployed, then CO2 can be captured from dispersed sources, but large amounts of water are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture capacityVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ambient humid air as the moisture source for CO2 desorption, eliminating the need for additional water input. The porous polymer with quaternary ammonium groups automatically releases captured CO2 when exposed to environmental moisture, making the process self-sufficient regarding water consumption and avoiding the need for separate water supply systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If TSA systems are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 separation is achieved, but the second law efficiency is low due to heat exchange requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separation efficiencyVSAvoidexergetic losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention fundamentally changes the driving parameter from temperature to moisture content. The quaternary ammonium-functionalized porous polymer exhibits selective CO2 binding under low humidity conditions and automatic CO2 release under high humidity conditions, eliminating the need for heat exchange operations and associated exergetic losses while maintaining effective CO2 separation performance

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

This approach enhances the energy efficiency and reduces water consumption in CO2 capture, achieving rapid CO2 absorption and desorption with a low heat of adsorption, thereby improving the overall environmental and economic viability of CO2 capture processes.

Implementation Method 1

the porous polymer selectively binds CO2 in the gas mixture to yield bound CO2, thereby removing CO2 from the gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

upon exposure to moisture, the porous polymer releases the bound CO2 to yield a recycled porous polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240408574A1Adsorption of carbon dioxide by swing adsorption methods

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 AVNOS INC

AI summary

A method is provided for capturing CO2 from a gas mixture comprising CO2. The method includes contacting the gas mixture with a sorbent comprising a porous polymer. The porous polymer selectively binds CO2 in the gas mixture to yield bound CO2, thereby removing CO2 from the gas. Upon exposure to moisture, the porous polymer releases the bound CO2 to yield a recycled porous polymer.