Spectroscopic Identification on CO2 Separation from CH4 + CO2 Gas Mixtures Using Hydroquinone Clathrate Formation

Ji-Ho Yoon,Jong-Won Lee,Dongwon Lee

doi:10.3390/en14144068

Ji-Ho Yoon, Jong-Won Lee + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144068

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Abstract

The formation of hydroquinone (HQ) clathrate and the guest behaviors of binary (CH4 + CO2) gas mixtures were investigated by focusing on an application to separate CO2 from landfill gases. Spectroscopic measurements show that at two experimental pressures of 20 and 40 bar, CO2 molecules are preferentially captured in HQ clathrates regardless of the gas composition. In addition, preferential occupation by CO2 is observed more significantly when the formation pressure and the CH4 concentration are lower. Because the preferential occupation of CO2 is found with binary (CH4 + CO2) gas mixtures regardless of the composition of the feed gas, a clathrate-based process can be applied to CO2 separation or concentration from landfill gases or (CH4 + CO2) mixed gases.

Highlights

Concern about global warming and subsequent climate change is growing steadily
The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to excessive combustion of fossil fuels has been identified as the major contributor to global warming [1]
Fossil fuel combustion is producing about 93% of CO2 emissions, and CO2 emission from energy generation is about 85% of total emissions in the U.S [1]

Summary

Introduction

Concern about global warming and subsequent climate change is growing steadily. The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to excessive combustion of fossil fuels has been identified as the major contributor to global warming [1]. Fossil fuel combustion is producing about 93% of CO2 emissions, and CO2 emission from energy generation is about 85% of total emissions in the U.S [1] Another major greenhouse gas is methane (CH4), and its global warming potential is 21 times greater than the same amount of CO2 [2]. Some researchers recently reported that CH4 is a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent (over a century) and 84 times more potent (over two decades) than CO2 on a unit mass basis [3] Mixtures of these two gas components are dealt with in many industrial processes such as natural gas sweetening, biogas upgrading, oil recovery enhancement, and landfill gas purification [4]. High energy consumption and capital cost, along with difficulties maintaining membrane performance during long-term operation, remain barriers to their commercialization [4]

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