Efficient Dynamic Phase Splitting Driven by Centrifugal Force for CO₂ Capture from Flue Gas using Biphasic Solvents

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Separation Science

Background:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2) chemisorption with biphasic solvents is a promising carbon capture technology.
• Efficient dynamic phase-splitting remains a key challenge for practical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of centrifugal force for enhancing phase-splitting in biphasic solvents for CO2 capture.
• To evaluate the efficiency, applicability, and economic viability of centrifugal phase-splitting.

Main Methods:

• Employing centrifugal force to promote droplet coalescence and separation in biphasic solvent systems.
• Conducting comprehensive evaluations of separation efficiency and solvent applicability.
• Analyzing correlations between fluid properties and separation performance.
• Observing droplet behavior using microscopy to estimate coalescence rates.
• Performing industrial-scale process simulations for economic assessment.

Main Results:

• Achieved outstanding centrifugal phase-splitting efficiency exceeding 95%.
• Demonstrated excellent applicability across various biphasic solvent systems.
• Identified strong correlations between phase viscosity, residual CO2, and separation efficiency.
• Quantified droplet growth and coalescence rates.
• Projected a ~22% reduction in total CO2 capture cost ($42.5/t CO2) compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• Centrifugal phase-splitting offers an effective solution for dynamic phase-splitting challenges in biphasic solvent systems.
• This approach significantly improves the efficiency and economic feasibility of CO2 capture.
• The study provides novel insights into polarity-induced clustering and coagulation-induced separation mechanisms.