CO2 capture from gas stream by zeolite 13X using a dual-column temperature/vacuum swing adsorption

Abstract

A dual-column temperature/vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) with zeolite 13X was built to study cyclic CO₂ capture from a gas stream. The adsorption capacities and the physicochemical properties of 13X were preserved through 100 cycles of adsorption–desorption operation, displaying the stability of 13X for cyclic TVSA. The desorbed CO₂ concentration could reach above 90%, which is practical for further utilization or permanent storage. The heat input required to regenerate spent 13X was low, reflecting an energy-efficient CO₂ adsorbent. A statistical analysis on the adsorbent cost of CO₂ capture revealed that the 13X could be cost-effective after extensive TVSA cycling. 13X showed less moisture sensitivity below 30 °C and showed a stable adsorption performance for CO₂ under humid conditions. These results suggest that a dual-column TVSA with solid 13X is has the possibility to be a promising CO₂ capture technology.