Novel Sorbents for Separation of CO2 at a Wide Temperature Range

Background: Gases that occur in nature or that are produced in industrial processes often contain carbon dioxide (CO2). Because of process requirements or because of the end result desired it is sometimes desirable to remove carbon dioxide from a mixture of CO2 and other gases. Technology Description: Traditional techniques for separation of CO2 in gas mixtures through absorption rely on high-aluminum zeolites which have the disadvantage of significant mass transfer resistances with consequent slower pressurization/depressurization steps; and competitive absorption of water and CO2 with corresponding reduced efficiency. More recent approaches involve the use of lithium salts and lithium-containing preparations which are unacceptable for use at high temperatures due to the sublimation of Lithium. Applications: 1) The new materials may have application in many processes in which CO2 is to be removed from mixtures of other gases such as coal combustion and gasification 2) Removal of CO2 (and enrichment of hydrogen) in water gas shift reactions 3) Fuel-cell-related applications.