Energy- and cost-efficient CO2 capture from dilute emissions by pyridinic-graphene membranes

Abstract

Membrane-based carbon capture offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional absorption-based processes, yet adoption remains limited by its performance with dilute CO2 sources such as natural gas power plants. Here we present a techno-economic assessment of pyridinic-graphene membranes—porous graphene membranes hosting pyridinic nitrogen—that yield increasingly high CO2 permeance and selectivity as CO2 concentration in the feed decreases. This unique behaviour substantially reduces energy consumption, process footprint and capture costs, even when considering the non-ideal effects such as concentration polarization and pressure drops. Using uncertainty-aware cost modelling, including membrane cost, electricity prices, contingency factors and learning curves, we show that capture costs can reach US$50–100 per ton CO2 for natural gas power plants and as low as US$25–50 per ton CO2 for coal and cement plants, positioning this technology favourably against state-of-the-art capture processes. Our work bridges material innovation with process optimization, highlighting the role of advanced membrane materials and process design in cost-effective carbon capture for diverse industrial sectors.