Experimental study of ionic liquids as solvent for CO2 absorption process

Abstract

Post combustion carbon capture process is considered for the removal of CO₂ using chemical absorption method. The commercial CO₂ absorption process is being carried out with the help of Monoethanolamine (MEA) as solvent. However, MEA has a high vapour pressure and is corrosive, thus it's critical to find a different solvent, like ionic liquids. In this study, ionic liquids were utilized as a solvent for CO₂ absorption process. The ionic liquids namely Tetrabutyl ammonium acetate (TBA OAC) and Tri Butyl (Methyl) Ammonium Dicyanamide (TBMA DCA) were used in CO₂ absorption process. Additionally, utilizing ionic liquids and MEA, physicochemical parameters were determined experimentally both before and after the CO₂ absorption process. Then the effect of diffusivity and viscosity of carbon loaded solutions with various temperatures were measured experimentally. Finally, the performance of ionic liquids was compared with that of MEA and the results showed that there is no significant rise in viscosity of IL even after absorption process. From the results it revealed that due to the presence of low viscosity during CO₂ absorption, there is a chance to reduce energy demand during solvent regeneration.