Carbon-Based Adsorbents for Postcombustion CO2 Capture: A Critical Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) necessitates effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions.
• Current liquid amine absorption methods for CO2 capture face challenges, including hazardous byproducts and high regeneration energy demands.
• Carbon-based materials exhibit unique properties suitable for CO2 adsorption, particularly at low temperatures and moderate to high partial pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of carbon-based solid sorbents for postcombustion CO2 capture.
• To provide an overview of postcombustion CO2 capture processes utilizing solid adsorbents.
• To discuss various carbon-based materials and their CO2 sorption potential.

Main Methods:

• Focus on low-cost pyrogenic carbon, activated carbon (AC), and metal-carbon composites for CO2 capture.
• Review recent advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and carbon nanomaterials for CO2 sorption.
• Analysis of CO2 adsorption properties of diverse carbonaceous materials.

Main Results:

• Carbon-based materials are promising for postcombustion CO2 capture due to their adsorption capabilities.
• Activated carbon, pyrogenic carbon, and metal-carbon composites are highlighted as viable sorbent options.
• Metal-organic frameworks and carbon nanomaterials show significant potential for CO2 sorption.

Conclusions:

• Carbon-based solid sorbents present a viable and potentially more efficient alternative to liquid amine systems for postcombustion CO2 capture.
• Further development of materials like AC, MOFs, and nanomaterials could lead to improved CO2 capture technologies.
• The review underscores the importance of exploring novel carbon materials for sustainable carbon management.