Captin: Intensification of CO2 capture processes

In order to limit the effects of global warming, introduction of CO₂ capture technology is absolutely and urgently required. However, the high cost and technological limitations of available CO₂ separation technologies restrict their successful and general industrial deployment in the CO₂ capture and utilization (CCU) context. In this short project, we aim at the development of new and more efficient, sustainable and economically viable CO₂ capture and separation technology. Different routes will be explored to achieve this goal:

• Intensification of mass and heat transfer processes in CO₂ capture is aimed at, using a vortex unit and a photochemical aerosol reactor
• Electrification of the CO₂ capture processes using microwave and inductive heating will be implemented in order to develop faster and more efficient separation cycles
• The integration of CO₂ capture and conversion is envisioned using alkali-mediated capture combined with electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into chemicals

Experimental test devices will be developed and/or modified in order to investigate these new concepts and deliver proof of principles. Models will be built that allow the assessment of the new technologies in terms of efficiency. At the end of the project, bottlenecks should be identified and solutions to overcome these bottlenecks will be proposed. It will be evaluated which technologies have the potential for further industrial implementation and which specific CO₂ capture niches should be aimed at.

To tackle this challenge, a multidisciplinary team has been built with experts in process intensification, separation processes, functional material development, electrochemistry and techno-economical assessment. The project aims at the realization of:

• Experimental proof of principle and demonstration
• Assessment of future application potential of these new technologies
• Innovation of experimental and modelling tools for CO₂ capture research