Process optimization and mechanism study of ionic liquid-based mixed amine biphasic solvents for CO₂ capture in biogas upgrading procedure

Highlights

● MM/MD = 3:1 could achieve CO₂ loading of 0.617 mol CO₂/mol amine.

● MM/MD = 3:1 achieved a heat of CO₂ desorption of 61.45 kJ/mol CO₂.

● Regeneration energy of MM/MD = 3:1 was 47.20% lower than that of 30 wt.% MEA.

● The carbon enrichment rate of MM/MD = 3:1 still maintained above 95%.

Abstract

This study focused on enhancing the efficiency of methane upgrading and reducing energy consumption in the biogas upgrading process through the use of biphasic solvents. An aqueous-based biphasic solvent, comprising methyl monoethanolamine (MMEA), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (ItFB), was meticulously prepared. The biogas upgrading effect, regeneration efficiency, regeneration energy consumption, economic viability, selectivity, and phase separation characteristics of this absorbent were systematically analyzed. Various parameters, including different inlet flow rates, stirring rate, methane inlet concentrations, reaction temperatures, and amine mixing ratios, were adjusted to investigate their impact. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on the biogas upgrading effect and substance migration trends of the biphasic solvent. Optimal process parameters were determined, demonstrating the favorable impact of the biphasic solvent on biogas upgrading. The upgraded gas achieved a methane purity exceeding 96%, and the regeneration energy consumption decreased by 44.27% compared to 30 wt.% MEA, resulting in a more than 50% improvement in economic efficiency. The interaction between the ionic liquid and carbamate facilitated the phase separation process, with carbon enrichment after separation exceeding 95%. This enhancement significantly contributed to the improvement of regeneration energy consumption. The study thus concludes that biphasic solvents, exemplified by the described aqueous-based solution, offer a promising avenue for effective biogas upgrading with notable advancements in economic and energy efficiency.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Biphasic solvents / Biogas upgrading / Energy consumption / Process parameters / Ionic liquid

References

[1] Akachuku A, Osei P A, Decardi-Nelson B, Srisang W, Pouryousefi F, Ibrahim H, Idem R. (2019). Experimental and kinetic study of the catalytic desorption of CO₂ from CO₂-loaded monoethanolamine (MEA) and blended monoethanolamine–methyl-diethanolamine (MEA-MDEA) solutions. Energy, 179: 475–489

[2] Awe O W, Zhao Y, Nzihou A, Minh D P, Lyczko N. (2017). A review of biogas utilisation, purification and upgrading technologies. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 8(2): 267–283

[3] Barzagli F, Giorgi C, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2018). Reversible carbon dioxide capture by aqueous and non-aqueous amine-based absorbents: a comparative analysis carried out by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Applied Energy, 220: 208–219

[4] Barzagli F, Giorgi C, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2019). Comparative study of CO₂ capture by aqueous and nonaqueous 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol based absorbents carried out by ¹³C NMR and enthalpy analysis. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 58(11): 4364–4373

[5] Barzagli F, Giorgi C, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2020). Screening study of different amine-based solutions as sorbents for direct CO₂ capture from air. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 8(37): 14013–14021

[6] Barzagli F, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2009). A ¹³C NMR study of the carbon dioxide absorption and desorption equilibria by aqueous 2-aminoethanol and N-methyl-substituted 2-aminoethanol. Energy & Environmental Science, 2(3): 322–330

[7] Barzagli F, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2011). A ¹³C NMR investigation of CO₂ absorption and desorption in aqueous 2,2′-iminodiethanol and N-methyl-2,2′-iminodiethanol. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 5(3): 448–456

[8] Barzagli F, Mani F, Peruzzini M. (2016). A comparative study of the CO₂ absorption in some solvent-free alkanolamines and in aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA). Environmental Science & Technology, 50(13): 7239–7246

[9] Dong Y, Ping T, Shen S. (2022). Solubility of CO₂ in nonaqueous system of 2-(butylamino)ethanol with 2-butoxyethanol: experimental data and model representation. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 41: 441–448

[10] Gaspar J, Fosbøl P L. (2017). Practical enhancement factor model based on GM for multiple parallel reactions: piperazine (PZ) CO₂ capture. Chemical Engineering Science, 158: 257–266

[11] Ghayur A, Verheyen T V, Meuleman E. (2019). Biological and chemical treatment technologies for waste amines from CO₂ capture plants. Journal of Environmental Management, 241: 514–524

[12] Hwang S J, Kim J, Kim H, Lee K S. (2017). Solubility of carbon dioxide in aqueous solutions of three secondary amines: 2-(butylamino)ethanol, 2-(isopropylamino)ethanol, and 2-(ethylamino)ethanol secondary alkanolamine solutions. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 62(8): 2428–2435

[13] Leonzio G. (2016). Upgrading of biogas to bio-methane with chemical absorption process: simulation and environmental impact. Journal of Cleaner Production, 131: 364–375

[14] Li X, Liu J, Jiang W, Gao G, Wu F, Luo C, Zhang L. (2021). Low energy-consuming CO₂ capture by phase change absorbents of amine/alcohol/H₂O. Separation and Purification Technology, 275: 119181

[15] Mao J, Li C, Yun Y, Liu J, Yang W, Li M, Wang L, Li C, Liu W. (2024). Biphasic solvents based on dual-functionalized ionic liquid for enhanced post-combustion CO₂ capture and corrosion inhibition during the absorption process. Chemical Engineering Journal, 481: 148691

[16] Meng F, Han S, Meng Y, Ju T, Lin L, Jiang J. (2022a). Effects of alkyl groups on monoethanolamine derivatives for biomethane from biogas upgrading. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 10(22): 7299–7308

[17] Meng F, Han S, Meng Y, Ju T, Lin L, Jiang J. (2022b). Effects of hydroxyethyl group on monoethanolamine (MEA) derivatives for biomethane from biogas upgrading. Fuel, 325: 124874

[18] Meng F, Ju T, Han S, Lin L, Li J, Chen K, Jiang J. (2023a). Novel low energy mixed amine biphasic solvent for carbon dioxide capture in biogas upgrading. Separation and Purification Technology, 326: 124724

[19] Meng F, Ju T, Han S, Lin L, Li J, Chen K, Jiang J. (2023b). Novel monoethanolamine absorption using ionic liquids as phase splitter for CO₂ capture in biogas upgrading: High CH₄ purity and low energy consumption. Chemical Engineering Journal, 462: 142296

[20] Meng F, Ju T, Han S, Lin L, Li J, Chen K, Jiang J. (2023c). Study on biogas upgrading characteristics and reaction mechanism of low energy consumption 2-Amino-2-methylpropanol (AMP)/piperazine (PZ)/H₂O mixed amines. Separation and Purification Technology, 310: 123195

[21] Meng F, Ju T, Han S, Lin L, Li J, Chen K, Jiang J. (2023d). Study on the effectiveness of ionic liquid-based biphasic amine solvent in removing H₂S, NH₃ and CO₂ from biogas and its influential characteristics. Chemical Engineering Journal, 474: 145805

[22] Meng F, Meng Y, Ju T, Han S, Lin L, Jiang J. (2022c). Research progress of aqueous amine solution for CO₂ capture: a review. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 168: 112902

[23] Nwaoha C, Beaulieu M, Tontiwachwuthikul P, Gibson M D. (2018). Techno-economic analysis of CO₂ capture from a 1.2 million MTPA cement plant using AMP-PZ-MEA blend. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 78: 400–412

[24] Pandey D, Kumar Mondal M. (2021). Thermodynamic modeling and new experimental CO₂ solubility into aqueous EAE and AEEA blend, heat of absorption, cyclic absorption capacity and desorption study for post-combustion CO₂ capture. Chemical Engineering Journal, 410: 128334

[25] Pandey D, Mondal M K. (2020). Equilibrium CO₂ solubility in the aqueous mixture of MAE and AEEA: experimental study and development of modified thermodynamic model. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 522: 112766

[26] Pasha M, Li G, Shang M, Liu S, Su Y. (2021). Mass transfer and kinetic characteristics for CO₂ absorption in microstructured reactors using an aqueous mixed amine. Separation and Purification Technology, 274: 118987

[27] Sharif M, Zhang T, Wu X, Yu Y, Zhang Z. (2020). Evaluation of CO₂ absorption performance by molecular dynamic simulation for mixed secondary and tertiary amines. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 97: 103059

[28] Shojaeian A, Hanifehei M, Fatoorehchi H. (2021). Density, viscosity, and refractive index measurements for binary mixtures of n-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) with 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][Ac]). Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 66(9): 3520–3530

[29] Vo T T Q, Wall D M, Ring D, Rajendran K, Murphy J D. (2018). Techno-economic analysis of biogas upgrading via amine scrubber, carbon capture and ex-situ methanation. Applied Energy, 212: 1191–1202

[30] Wang R, Qi C, Jian Z, Zhao H, Zhang P, An S, Li Q, Wang L. (2024). Development of dual-functionalized ionic liquids for biphasic solvents: enhancing the CO₂ absorption through two-stage reaction and promoting the energy-saving regeneration. Fuel, 359: 130382

[31] Witte J, Calbry-Muzyka A, Wieseler T, Hottinger P, Biollaz S M A, Schildhauer T J. (2019). Demonstrating direct methanation of real biogas in a fluidised bed reactor. Applied Energy, 240: 359–371

[32] Xiao M, Cui D, Zou L, Yang Q, Gao H, Liang Z. (2020). Experimental and modeling studies of bicarbonate forming amines for CO₂ capture by NMR spectroscopy and VLE. Separation and Purification Technology, 234: 116097

[33] Xie H B, He N, Song Z, Chen J, Li X. (2014). Theoretical investigation on the different reaction mechanisms of aqueous 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol and monoethanolamine with CO₂. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 53(8): 3363–3372

[34] Xu Y, Chen X, Zhao Y, Jin B. (2021). Modeling and analysis of CO₂ capture by aqueous ammonia + piperazine blended solution in a spray column. Separation and Purification Technology, 267: 118655

[35] Yang L, Chen J, Ma N, Li X, Huang Z. (2023). CO₂ absorption enhancement of fluorinated ionic liquids on nonaqueous biphasic absorbents: Experimental and theoretical study. Carbon Capture Science & Technology, 9: 100147

[36] Ye J, Jiang C, Chen H, Shen Y, Zhang S, Wang L, Chen J. (2019). Novel biphasic solvent with tunable phase separation for CO₂ capture: role of water content in mechanism, kinetics, and energy penalty. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(8): 4470–4479

[37] Yi N, Fang M, Di W, Xia Z, Wang T, Wang Q. (2021). Aerosol emissions of amine-based CO₂ absorption system: effects of condensation nuclei and operating conditions. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(8): 5152–5160

[38] Zhang S, Shen Y, Wang L, Chen J, Lu Y. (2019). Phase change solvents for post-combustion CO₂ capture: principle, advances, and challenges. Applied Energy, 239: 876–897

[39] Zhang X, Zhang X, Liu H, Li W, Xiao M, Gao H, Liang Z. (2017). Reduction of energy requirement of CO₂ desorption from a rich CO₂-loaded MEA solution by using solid acid catalysts. Applied Energy, 202: 673–684

[40] Zheng Y, Zhang S, Liu Y, Wang C, Lv B, Jing G, Zhou Z. (2023). A novel binary solid-liquid biphasic functionalized ionic liquids for efficient CO₂ capture: reversible polarity and low energy penalty. Separation and Purification Technology, 313: 123486

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the financial support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22376115). The first author is funded by the Shanghai Tongji Gao Tingyao Environmental Science & Technology Development Foundation (China).

Declaration of Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1855-9 and is accessible for authorized users.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 Higher Education Press 2024