Elucidating flow-directed 98% CO2 absorption using millimeter-sized coiled flow inverters: Nanocellulose-aided sustainable scope

• Published in: Chemical engineering and processing 2024-11, Vol.205, p.110022, Article 110022
• Main Authors: Tripathi, Anikesh, Sarkar, Karan, Patel, Swapna, Mishra, Utsav, Nigam, Krishna Prasad Deo, Panda, Debashis, Biswas, Koushik Guha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CCUS; CO2 capture; Coiled flow inverters; Multiphase flow; Nanocellulose
• ISSN: 0255-2701
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cep.2024.110022

•Flow assisted enhanced CO2 absorption in Coiled Flow Inverters.•Achieving 98 % CO2 absorption using 3 % diethanolamine.•Efficacy of mix of ethanolamines has been tested.•Unearthing the role of solvent/gas flow rates on CO2 capture.•-NH2 group of DEA is better suited for CO2 capture over -OH group of nanocellulose. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations drive the global efforts to discover a sustainable carbon capture method for the reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Concentrated alkanolamine solutions are being used as CO2 capture mediums for batch processes amid several disadvantages, such as energy intensiveness and poor efficiency. In this work, millimeter-sized coiled flow inverters (CFI) have been explored as a point-source CO2 capture tool for highly efficient, continuous operations. Solvent and CO2 gas flow rates are found to dictate the slug flow regime and, more specfically, slug lengths. High interfacial area and residence time remain the driving factors for enhanced CO2 capture using CFI. About 98% CO2 absorption efficiency has been achieved for 3% aqueous diethanolamine solution in CFI . The efficacy of nanocellulose, a sustainable nanomaterial has been unearthed for CO2 capture at low flow rate. [Display omitted]