(426e) Comprehensive Characterisation of Solid Sorbents for Carbon Capture Applications

The escalating levels of atmospheric CO₂ underscore the urgent need for effective climate change mitigation strategies. Among these, enhancing the share of renewable energy and advancing carbon capture technologies stand out as critical paths. Solid adsorbents offer a promising solution for carbon capture through adsorption-based separation, addressing the pressing demand for technologies capable of efficiently capturing CO₂. However, the development of adsorbent materials for carbon capture applications faces significant challenges, including issues related to their capacity, selectivity, and stability, which hinder their practical application.

To address these challenges, we have designed and implemented a comprehensive experimental framework for the characterization of solid sorbents under conditions that mirror real-world carbon capture conditions with an emphasis on measuring competitive CO₂/H₂O adsorption. A key component of our methodology was the development of a laboratory bench-top dynamic breakthrough analyser (DBC), which facilitates binary adsorption measurements with minimal sample quantities while adhering to industrially relevant conditions.

Activated carbon (AC) and molecular sieve or zeolite 13X (MS13X) were selected as benchmark materials for this study. The characterization of AC and MS13X not only confirmed the functionality and reliability of the DBC instrument but also provided a robust basis for comparing these benchmark materials to other potential adsorbents, such as Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs). Additionally, we conducted a case study on a structured MIL-100(Fe) MOF, which demonstrated enhanced volumetric CO₂ adsorption capacity compared to its powdered form. Despite these advancements, the novel functionalized materials did not exceed the performance metrics of the benchmark materials in terms of kinetics, selectivity, and stability.

The comprehensive materials characterization and assessment framework developed in this study is pivotal for identifying optimal novel adsorbents under targeted industrial conditions. Results of this study highlight the critical role of collaborative, integrated research efforts in accelerating the scale-up of adsorption-based carbon capture processes. This work not only demonstrates the potential of structured adsorbents but also establishes a clear methodology for their continued evaluation and development.