Integrated Chemically Resistant Membrane Contactors and Ionic Liquid Sorbants for Carbon Dioxide Concentration

Fossil fuels currently supply more than 85% of the worlds energy needs and combustion of these fuels is the source of 80% of all anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and is considered to be a major contributor to global warming. There is considerable interest in capturing carbon dioxide at large sources, electric power plants, and sequestering the gas. However, application of the existing technologies for carbon dioxide capture would significantly increase the cost of electric power generation.This program combines two novel technologies, the amorphous perfluoropolymer membrane gas/liquid contactor and ionic liquid absorbents, to create a novel system for a selectively separating carbon dioxide from flue gas and concentrating it for sequestration. The proposed system will be capable of capturing greater than 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions at electric power plants at a cost of less than $40 per tonne, substantially less than the currently available technologies. Earlier work has demonstrated the feasibility of capturing 90% of the carbon dioxide in a simulated flue gas stream. This program will focus on increasing the efficiency of the membrane contactor by improving the contactor design and selection of an ionic liquid absorbent with superior properties. Parallel CMS data suggests excellent fouling resistance. In Phase I we will first evaluate candidate Ionic Liquids and then test compatibility with our membrane system. Using the best Ionic Liquid CMS membrane candidate based on sorption capacity, complexity, stability, viscosity, CO2 diffusivity, and compatibility) we will customize system design followed by measuring sorption and desorption rates. Finally, using this above data we will conduct an engineering and economic evaluation to see if we project meeting our target. $30/ton with 90% carbon dioxide capture). While the focus of this program is on capturing carbon dioxide at electric power plants, many other applications can be considered. This is a platform technology for removing carbon dioxide gas from other gases. Two significant applications of interest are: separation of carbon dioxide from natural gas and upgrading of landfill gas.