Polymeric membranes in carbon capture, utilization, and storage: current trends and future directions in decarbonization of industrial flue gas and climate change mitigation

The urgency to mitigate global warming and climate change has catalyzed advancements in decarbonization technologies, with membrane separation emerging as a key area of interest. Noted for its compact design, high separation efficiency, scalability, and versatility, membrane technologies offer promising solutions for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). In particular, polymeric membranes are attractive due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication, and mechanical flexibility. This review examines the latest developments in polymeric membranes for CCUS, emphasizing material properties, durability, stability, and process optimization. A thorough analysis of membrane-based separation processes is provided, covering various feedstocks and capturing mechanisms, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, and chemical looping, with steam methane reforming processes as an integral part of major emission-intensive industries producing products such as petrochemicals and fertilizers together with non-green hydrogen. The review also explores complementary CCUS processes—absorption–stripping, adsorption, cryogenic, and biological technologies—and details the challenges faced by gas separation membranes, such as permeability-selectivity tradeoff, plasticization, and physical aging. The role of computational approaches, particularly artificial intelligence, in driving innovations through polymer and membrane modifier design is also highlighted. By addressing process simulation, design challenges, carbon utilization, economic feasibility, and technology readiness levels, this comprehensive review offers valuable insights into the current state and future potential of membrane-assisted decarbonization for CCUS applications.