Green solvents for CO2 capture

Abstract

The development of specific “green” solvents with unique combination of properties and associated techniques for target applications, capable of minimizing the environmental impact from their use in chemical production or by developing sustainable and renewable energy and resources, has been gathering increasing attention over the last years. Emerging alternatives or undervalued self-claimed greener solvents, like ionic liquids, amino acid-functionalized ionic liquids, ionic liquid mixed solvents and eutectic solvents, have been proposed as promising materials with unique properties not achievable by means of any other material. Nonetheless, in spite of all these greener compounds outstanding properties and potential for acid gas separation, important limitations have hampered the development of separation units and processes capable of fulfilling industry demands. This study intends to carry a critical analysis upon the solvents proposed for CO2 capture and the pursued technologies to make Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage a reality.