Nanomaterial-assisted CO2 capture using solid sorbents for post-combustion flue gas with process optimization (Note: If you want a different domain within chemical engineering or more options, I can provide additional topics.)

Project Abstract

This study investigates the design, synthesis, and performance evaluation of nanomaterial-assisted solid sorbents for post-combustion CO2 capture from fossil-fuel power plant flue gas, emphasizing process optimization and energy efficiency. The sorbents are engineered by integrating nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and functionalized silica nanoparticles onto robust inorganic matrices to enhance CO2 uptake, selectivity, and recyclability under realistic flue gas conditions (CO2 ~ 10–15%, O2 ~ 3–7%, moisture content 5–8 vol%). A dual-mode capture approach is employed (i) physisorption-dominated adsorption with high CO2 affinity at ambient temperatures to permit lower regeneration energy, and (ii) chemisorption-assisted capture to overcome competitive adsorption by water and nitrogen, achieved via surface-ionic functional groups and amine grafting tailored to sorbent pore architecture. Comprehensive characterization, including BET surface area, pore size distribution, XRD, TEM/SEM imaging, FTIR, and XPS, elucidates the relationship between nanoscale morphology and macroscopic performance. Breakthrough curve experiments in fixed-bed and fluidized-bed configurations quantify dynamic capacity, capture rate, and breakthrough time under simulated flue gas with varying humidity and trace contaminants. Kinetic modeling using dual-site and Temkin isotherms, paired with mass transfer analysis, identifies rate-limiting steps and optimizes particle size, bed depth, and flow conditions to minimize penalty due to pressure drop and regeneration energy. Process optimization employs response surface methodology (RSM) and design of experiments (DOE) to determine optimal operating temperatures (60–100°C for regeneration), purge strategies (vacuum vs. purge gas), and cycle stability across 1000+ adsorption-desorption cycles to assess sorbent durability and thermal aging. Energy analysis compares the proposed sorbents against conventional monoethanolamine (MEA) systems and emerging solid sorbents, highlighting reductions in specific energy consumption and CO2 avoided costs. Sensitivity analyses quantify the impacts of flue gas humidity, CO2 concentration fluctuations, and trace SOx/NOx on capture efficiency and by-product formation. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) reveal environmental and economic viability, addressing material synthesis inputs, solvent-free regeneration benefits, and end-of-life disposal. The study also investigates scale-up considerations, including sorbent bed packing, heat integration strategies, and integration with existing exhaust systems, to facilitate retrofitting and incremental capacity expansion. Results demonstrate that nanomaterial-enhanced sorbents achieve CO2 uptake > 2.5 mmol g?1 at 80–120°C regeneration with energy penalties 20–40% lower than MEA, while maintaining >95% cyclic stability over extended cycling under humid conditions. The findings provide a pathway toward commercially viable, low-energy CO2 capture from post-combustion flue gases, offering insight into material design guidelines, reactor configurations, and process controls necessary for scalable deployment.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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This project explores using tiny, engineered materials (nanomaterials) attached to solid substances to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas produced after burning fossil fuels. It also looks at ways to optimize the process so more CO2 can be removed efficiently and at lower cost.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Power plants and factories release large amounts of CO2, contributing to climate change. Current capture methods can be energy-intensive or expensive. The project seeks a more effective and cheaper way to trap CO2 using solid materials that act as sponges, helping industries reduce emissions.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Understand how nanomaterials improve CO2 capture on solid sorbents.
2. Test different sorbent materials to compare performance.
3. Evaluate energy and cost requirements for the capture process.
4. Develop a simple model to predict capture efficiency under varying conditions.
5. Recommend practical steps for scale-up in real plants.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review basic literature on CO2 capture and solid sorbents.
2. Select candidate nanomaterial–sorbent combinations for testing.
3. Prepare samples and perform bench-scale tests to measure CO2 uptake.
4. Analyze data to identify which materials perform best and why.
5. Model how process conditions affect capture efficiency and energy use.
6. Compare costs and propose optimization strategies for operation.
7. Document methods, results, and practical recommendations.

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Expected Outcome

Anticipated results include identifying a cost-effective, energy-efficient solid sorbent system with improved CO2 capture performance and a clear guideline for plant-scale implementation.