pH-Responsive and Buffering Macromolecule Aqueous Absorbent and Mathematic Model-Based Feasibility Evaluation for SO₂ Capture

Abstract

An organic macromolecule, poly(1-vinylimidazole), with an appropriate polymerization degree was proposed and mixed with water to form a novel aqueous absorbent for SO₂ capture. This aqueous solution absorbent has the advantages of simple preparation, good physicochemical properties, environment-friendliness, high ability in deep removal of SO₂, and excellent reusability. Moreover, pH-responsive behavior, pH buffering absorption mechanism, and their synergistic effect on absorption performance were revealed. The solubilities of SO₂ in the absorbent were measured in detail, and the results demonstrated excellent absorption capacity and recyclability. Then, mathematic models that describe SO₂ absorption equilibrium were established, and the corresponding parameters were estimated. More importantly, on the basis of model and experimental data, the absorption and desorption could maintain high efficiency within a wide operating region. In summary, this work provided a low-cost, efficient, and unique absorbent for SO₂ capture and verified its technical feasibility in industrial application.

Keywords

Poly(1-vinylimidazole) / pH buffer / pH responsibility / SO₂ capture / Flue gas desulfurization

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