Abstract This paper describes a CFD-DEM modeling of CO2 capture using K2CO3 solid sorbents in a bubbling fluidized bed, which takes into heat transfer, hydrodynamics, and chemical reactions. Shrinking core model is applied in reaction kinetics. Simulation and experiment results of bed pressure drop and CO2 concentration in the reactor exit agree well. Instantaneous dynamics as well as time-averaged profiles indicate detailed characteristics of gas flow, particle motion, and chemical reaction processes. The simulation results show an obvious core-annular flow and strong back-mixing flow pattern. CO2 concentration decreases gradually along the bed height, while regards on the lateral distribution CO2 concentration near the wall is lower than that in the middle zone where gas passes through faster. The effect of bubbles on CO2 reaction is two-sided: it can promote mixing which strengthens reaction, while it can be a short pass of gas which is not beneficial to reaction. The simulation is helpful for further understanding and optimal design of fluidized bed reactors of CO2 capture.