CO2 Capture with Liquid-to-Solid Absorbents

Default ARPA-E Project Image


Program:
IMPACCT
Award:
$3,692,967
Location:
Niskayuna, New York
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
10/01/2010 - 09/30/2013

Technology Description:

General Electric (GE) Global Research and the University of Pittsburgh are developing a unique CO2 capture process in which a liquid absorbent changes into a solid upon contact with CO2. Once in solid form, the material can be separated and the CO2 can be released for storage by heating. Upon heating, the absorbent returns to its liquid form, where it can be reused to capture more CO2. The approach is more efficient than other solvent-based processes because it avoids the heating of extraneous solvents such as water. This ultimately leads to a lower cost of CO2 capture and will lower the additional cost to produce electricity for coal-fired power plants that retrofit their facilities to include this technology.

Potential Impact:

If successful, GE's absorbents would enable the reduction of significant greenhouse gas emissions while helping to position the U.S. as a global industry leader in carbon capture and storage technology.

Security:

Enabling continued use of domestic coal for electricity generation will preserve the stability of the electric grid.

Environment:

Carbon capture technology could prevent more than 800 million tons of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

Economy:

Enabling cost-effective carbon capture systems could accelerate their adoption at existing power plants.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. James Klausner
Project Contact:
Mr. Robert Perry
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
robert.perry@crd.ge.com

Partners

General Electric
University of Pittsburgh

Related Projects


Release Date:
02/07/2009