Elucidating flow-directed 98% CO2 absorption using millimeter-sized coiled flow inverters: Nanocellulose-aided sustainable scope

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations drive the global efforts to discover a sustainable carbon capture method for the reduction of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Concentrated alkanolamine solutions are being used as CO₂ capture mediums for batch processes amid several disadvantages, such as energy intensiveness and poor efficiency. In this work, millimeter-sized coiled flow inverters (CFI) have been explored as a point-source CO₂ capture tool for highly efficient, continuous operations. Solvent and CO₂ gas flow rates are found to dictate the slug flow regime and, more specfically, slug lengths. High interfacial area and residence time remain the driving factors for enhanced CO₂ capture using CFI. About 98% CO₂ absorption efficiency has been achieved for 3% aqueous diethanolamine solution in CFI . The efficacy of nanocellulose, a sustainable nanomaterial has been unearthed for CO₂ capture at low flow rate.