Li/Na/K carbonate solar salts for enhanced and integrated carbon capture and utilization via reverse water gas shift (ICCU-RWGS)

Abstract

This study introduces a novel ICCU-RWGS process using Li, Na, and K carbonates mixed with boric acid as dual functional materials, enhancing CO2 capture and conversion without traditional CaO adsorbents. These molten salts, compatible with solar energy systems, enable efficient integration with CSP, storing heat from CO2 capture for utilization. The addition of boric acid significantly boosts CO2 uptake and conversion, achieving 2.0 mmol, 1.1 mmol, and 1.3 mmol CO2 uptake with conversion of 51.1 %, 58.3 %, and 57.6 % over three cycles, respectively. A 10-cycle test confirmed stable performance, with conversion rates between 53.0 % and 58.7 %. Characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, in-situ DRIFTS) revealed new borate phases after CO2 capture. TG-DSC analysis showed exothermic peaks during CO2 capture and RWGS stages, indicating that molten salt has the potential to generate heat for CSP systems, thus offering efficient CO2 conversion and sustainable energy recovery.