Hybrid Solvent-Membrane CO2 Capture
Technology Description:
The University of Kentucky is developing a hybrid approach to capturing CO2 from the exhaust gas of coal-fired power plants. In the first, CO2 is removed as flue gas is passed through an aqueous ammonium-based solvent. In the second, carbon-rich solution from the CO2 absorber is passed through a membrane that is designed to selectively transport the bound carbon, enhancing its concentration on the permeate side. The team's approach would combine the best of both membrane- and solvent-based carbon capture technologies. Under the ARPA-E award, the team is enabling the membrane operation to be a drop-in solution.
Potential Impact:
If successful, the University of Kentucky's hybrid solvent-membrane approach would efficiently collect and remove CO2 while limiting additional costs to generate electricity for coal-fired power plants.
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. Karma Sawyer
Project Contact:
Prof. Kunlei Liu
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
kunlei.liu@uky.edu
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/07/2009