Protic Ionic Liquid CO2 Capture Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 capture technologies, particularly aqueous amine-based methods, face challenges such as low loading capacity, high energy consumption, and significant amine loss, making them inefficient and costly for post-combustion CO2 capture from flue gases.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing protic ionic liquids made from an organic superbase and a weak acid, specifically 1,8-diazabiclclo(5.4.0)undec-7-enium imidazolate ([DBUH][Im]), for CO2 capture from flue gases. This process involves CO2 absorption at 80° C. to 95° C. and desorption at 140° C. to 200° C., allowing for efficient CO2 recovery with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If aqueous amine-based absorbents are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to high regeneration temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from aqueous amine to ionic liquid, which fundamentally alters the regeneration temperature requirement from 120°C to below 100°C, directly reducing energy consumption while maintaining CO2 separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite ionic liquid formulations combining different ionic liquid components to achieve optimal balance between CO2 loading capacity and regeneration energy requirements, creating a material that outperforms traditional aqueous amine systems
2Reliability
If aqueous amine-based absorbents are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 separation is achieved, but amine loss occurs due to degradation and volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive and loss-prone aqueous amine system with a more stable ionic liquid system that has negligible vapor pressure and resistance to degradation, eliminating the need for continuous makeup and reducing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid composite formulation provides enhanced chemical stability and resistance to degradation mechanisms affecting traditional amines, including oxidation resistance and heat-stable salt formation prevention
3Reliability
If flue gas is cooled to 50-60°C for absorption and heated to 120°C for regeneration, then CO2 capture and release are achieved, but significant energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter range by using ionic liquid absorbent that enables absorption at higher temperatures (above ambient) and regeneration below 100°C, eliminating the need for water boiling and reducing the temperature swing energy requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of high temperature (which would reduce absorption efficiency in amine systems) into a benefit by using ionic liquid that maintains high CO2 loading capacity at elevated temperatures, allowing absorption without extensive cooling
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 process achieves efficient CO2 capture and recovery with a high CO2 uptake capacity, maintaining stability across multiple absorption-desorption cycles, and significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 absorption occurs in the range of 80° C. to 95° C.
Implementation Method 2
desorption at a temperature in the range of from 140° C. to 200° C.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment is provided an energy-efficient post-combustion CO2 capturing process utilizing protic ionic liquids made of an organic superbase and a weak acid in the presence of moisture. The concept is demonstrated in one embodiment with the ionic liquid, 1,8-diazabiciclo(5.4.0)undec-7-enium imidazolate, [DBUH][Im].