By: Mimi Martinez
In the quest for a sustainable future, a groundbreaking innovation is gaining momentum—green solvents. These solvents are designed with a unique combination of properties to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. One key advancement in this area is the development of green solvents for CO₂ capture. These green solvents are gaining attention as more sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents, which are often toxic and energy-intensive. Researchers are focusing on these green solvents as an effective solution for removing CO₂ from industrial emissions, especially in post-combustion processes.
Among the most promising green solvents are ionic liquids (ILs), amino acid-functionalized ionic liquids (AA-ILs), IL-mixed solvents, and deep eutectic solvents. These materials offer unique advantages over conventional solvents, such as high CO₂ absorption, low vapor pressure, and the ability to be tailored for specific applications. They also enhance CO₂ absorption at the chemical level, making them ideal for carbon capture.
However, challenges remain. These solvents can be highly viscous and slow to absorb CO₂, which limits their practical use. To overcome these issues, researchers are working on improving IL properties by functionalizing them with fatty acids or amino acids and combining them with other solvents or solid phases to boost performance. Additionally, new techniques like nanoconfining ILs and microencapsulation are being explored to improve gas absorption rates by enhancing the contact between gases and solvents [1].
As the development of these solvents progresses, CO₂ capture is becoming a more viable solution for mitigating climate change and advancing toward carbon-neutral goals.
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452223618301160
