(371b) Structure Property Relationships in Serinol-Derived Water-Lean Solvents for CO2 Capture

Over the past few decades, Green Chemistry has focused on developing synthetic processes that utilize renewable and sustainable resources. Glycerol, a byproduct accounting for approximately 10% by weight of biodiesel production via transesterification of seed oils or animal fats, offers significant potential for sustainable applications. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the power generation sector remain a major contributor to global climate change. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop next-generation solvents for efficient CO₂ capture, particularly those derived from renewable and sustainable resources.

This study developed a three-step synthesis from glycidyl ethers (and glycerol) to produce a range of symmetric and asymmetric 1,3-diether-2-amino “serinol-derived compounds”.

The synthesized compounds’ thermophysical properties are favorable for CO₂ capture applications. Spectroscopic analyses using ¹³C NMR and FTIR confirmed that CO₂ chemically reacts with the serinol-derived compounds as either water-lean solvents or with water present. CO₂ absorption data show high stoichiometric loadings while maintaining very low viscosities for water-lean solvents, even at ambient temperature.