CO2 capture with a novel solid fluidizable sorbent: Thermodynamics and Temperature Programmed Carbonation–Decarbonation

Abstract This study investigates several sorbents for CO 2 capture with emphasis on the development of a novel lithium orthosilicate based sorbent. Thermodynamic analysis is considered to predict sorbent regeneration conditions and thermal levels where sorbent kinetics change from CO 2 absorption to CO 2 desorption. Temperature Programmed Carbonation (TPC) and Temperature Programmed Decarbonation (TPDC) are developed using a temperature programmed fixed bed unit. Sorbents are kept in contact with a gas stream containing a 10% CO 2 mole fraction, and are subjected to a 5 °C/min temperature ramp. Calcium carbonate, lithium orthosilicate and a novel lithium orthosilicate modified sorbent are considered for these runs. TPC–TPDC runs confirm thermodynamic predictions for thermal inversion points. Furthermore, TPD–TPDC runs show that the novel lithium orthosilicate based sorbent provides a very stable and increased CO 2 sorption capacity over 10 absorption–regeneration cycles, while calcium carbonate displays a reduced CO 2 sorption capacity with cyclic operation. This fluidizable novel sorbent can significantly contribute towards CO 2 removal from flue gases emitted by power plants.