Development of a flow-voltaic acid/base electrodialysis system for ammonia recovery with selective gas stripping in carbon capture, utilization & storage processes

Abstract

The urgent need to address climate change underscores the necessity for advancements in carbon capture, utilization & storage (CCUS) technologies. Traditional CCUS processes predominantly depend on chemical- and energy-intensive operations. This paper introduces the flow-voltaic acid/base electrodialysis (FVED) process, a pioneering advancement engineered to optimize the sustainability and efficiency of CCUS processes. By integrating electrochemical ion and gas separation technologies, this study minimized the reliance on chemical dosing and significantly reduced energy consumption. The electrical conductivity and deionization performance of the FVED were evaluated based on applied voltage and acid/base concentrations. Membrane contactor applicability was evaluated by investigating the membrane damage after prolonged exposure to high concentrations of an acid/base solution. The membrane contactor enhanced the deionization performance during the FVED stage, preventing the reverse diffusion of CO₂ and NH₃. Efficient operating suggestions were derived from experimental and theoretical analyses. Additionally, the FVED process demonstrated a reduction in energy requirements of up to 54 % during the CO₂ and NH₃ recovery processes compared with traditional methods. In conclusion, the FVED system represents an important technological advancement in the CCUS field. Because of its enhanced efficiency, reduced chemical dependency, and low energy requirements, the FVED system offers a robust solution to the pressing global challenge of climate change mitigation. The development and implementation of innovative technologies are critical for the global pursuit of carbon neutrality and sustainable industrial practices.