Membrane absorption using ionic liquid for pre-combustion CO2 capture at elevated pressure and temperature

Abstract

This study demonstrated the potential of applying ionic liquids as absorbents in membrane contactor for pre-combustion CO2 capture at elevated temperatures and pressures. Butyl-3-methlyimidazolium tricyanomethanide ([Bmim][TCM]) was used as a CO2 absorbent due to its high thermal stability, moderate viscosity and high CO2 absorption capacity. The effects of the operating parameters on the CO2 capture performance in a tubular glass membrane contactor were systematically investigated, including the operating temperature, pressure, and gas flow rate. An overall mass transfer coefficients (Kexp) value of 1.0×10−6ms−1 and a CO2 flux of 2.50×10−4molm−2s−1 were obtained at an operating temperature of 80°C and pressure of 20bar. The Kexp obtained from the experimental characterization were also compared with the Kov estimated from the resistance in series model.