Review of carbon capture absorbents for CO2 utilization

Abstract

Carbon capture technologies have been recognized as a potential alternative to alleviate global warming. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is preferred over carbon conversion and utilization (CCU) due to its lower operating costs and higher CO2 reduction capability. Nevertheless, CO2 utilization has the potential to be more economical if value-added products are produced. This highlights the importance of assessing CO2 utilization routes and alternatives in carbon management. This review paper aims to evaluate the carbon utilization potential of major CO2-capturing absorbents including amine, hydroxide, ionic liquid, amino acids and carbonate absorbents. All absorbents show potential application for CO2 utilization except for ionic liquids (ILs) due to their unclear CO2 capture mechanisms. Absorbents that require a desorption process for CO2 utilization include MEA, MDEA, K2CO3 and Na2CO3 due to their high absorption capacity. Industries have utilized the desorbed CO2 as chemical feedstocks, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and mineral carbonation. For hydroxide absorbents and CaCO3, desorption of CO2 is unnecessary as the absorbed CO2 can be directly utilized to produce construction materials. Apart from that, the incorporation of advanced technologies and business models introduced by the fourth industrial revolution are plausible considerations to accelerate the development of carbon capture technologies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.