Review of carbon capture absorbents for CO<sub>2</sub> utilization
Slyvester Yew Wang Chai, Lock Hei Ngu, Bing Shen How
Abstract
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 CO 2 reduction capability. Nevertheless, CO 2 utilization has the potential to be more economical if value‐added products are produced. This highlights the importance of assessing CO 2 utilization routes and alternatives in carbon management. This review paper aims to evaluate the carbon utilization potential of major CO 2 ‐capturing absorbents including amine, hydroxide, ionic liquid, amino acids and carbonate absorbents. All absorbents show potential application for CO 2 utilization except for ionic liquids (ILs) due to their unclear CO 2 capture mechanisms. Absorbents that require a desorption process for CO 2 utilization include MEA, MDEA, K 2 CO 3 and Na 2 CO 3 due to their high absorption capacity. Industries have utilized the desorbed CO 2 as chemical feedstocks, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and mineral carbonation. For hydroxide absorbents and CaCO 3 , desorption of CO 2 is unnecessary as the absorbed CO 2 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.