Influences of zinc–metal complex on the carbon dioxide regeneration behaviors of alkanolamine absorbents

Abstract

In this work, primary (MEA), secondary (DEA) and tertiary (MDEA) alkanolamine absorbents with a synthesized zinc–metal complex functioning as a carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimetic catalyst were applied to the absorption–desorption of carbon dioxide. Regeneration of carbon dioxide was evaluated by using a semi-batch system and the formation and extinction of bicarbonate and carbamate species were analyzed by FTIR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The zinc–metal complex can cause the rapid conversion from bicarbonate to carbon dioxide, confirming that the regeneration rate could be increased substantially.