Solid with infused reactive liquid (SWIRL): A novel liquid-based separation approach for effective CO<sub>2</sub> capture.

Yeganeh, Mohsen S; Jusufi, Arben; Deighton, Shane P; Ide, Matthew S; Siskin, Michael; Jaishankar, Aditya; Maldarelli, Charles; Bertolini, Pedro et al. · Sci Adv · 2022

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Economical CO<sub>2</sub> capture demands low-energy separation strategies. We use a liquid-infused surface (LIS) approach to immobilize reactive liquids, such as amines, on a textured and thermally conductive solid substrate with high surface-area to volume ratio (A/V) continuum geometry. The infused, micrometer-thick liquid retains that high A/V and directly contacts the gas phase, alleviating mass transport resistance typically encountered in mesoporous solid adsorbents. We name this LIS class "solid with infused reactive liquid" (SWIRL). SWIRL-amine requires no water dilution or costly mixing unlike the current liquid-based commercial approach. SWIRL-tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) shows stable, high capture capacities at power plant CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations near flue gas temperatures, preventing energy-intensive temperature swings needed for other approaches. Water vapor increases CO<sub>2</sub> capacity of SWIRL-TEPA without compromising stability.