Screening of strong bicarbonate forming solvents for CO2 capture

Abstract

Fifteen bicarbonate forming solvents were tested and compared to 30 mass% MEA using a screening apparatus. Additionally the pKa values of each of the solvents at room temperature were measured. The overall evaluation was based on screening tests allowing estimation of cyclic capacity, pKa measurements and operative behavior of the system (foaming, high viscosity, precipitation). Based on the overall evaluation, two solvents, 2-PPE and 1-(2HE)PRLD, were chosen for further characterization. The solvent concentration was optimized using the screening setup. The optimal solvent concentrations found were 50 mass% 2-PPE, and 40 mass% 1-(2HE)PRLD.