Evaluation of a molecular basket sorbent for post-combustion CO₂ capture

The objective of this collaborative effort was for RTI to develop an intimate understanding of Pennsylvania State University's Molecular Basket Sorbent (MBS) and evaluate the potential for developing a solid sorbent-based CO₂ capture process using the MBS materials as a platform chemistry. Testing performed by RTI was focused on evaluating the effect of process variables on dynamic CO₂ loading capacity, rate of CO₂ capture and regeneration, ability to achieve high CO₂ removal efficiencies, and the ability to regenerate in the presence of CO₂. In addition, extended multi-cycle absorption-regeneration experiments were completed using a high-fidelity flue gas composition containing CO₂, H₂O, O₂, SO₂, and N₂. The MBS material exhibited very promising performance characteristics including CO₂ loading capacities > 16 wt% CO₂, fast absorption kinetics resulting in the ability to achieve 100% CO₂ removal at GHSVs > 5,000 h^-1, and near complete loading prior to CO₂ breakthrough.