O2 Sorbents for Oxy-Combustion, Breakthrough Performance Improvements on Supporting Systems for Post Combustion CO2 Capture

Oxy-fuel combustion has the potential to dramatically decrease the environmental impact of producing electrical power, especially because it can be retrofit to existing pulverized coal power plants. In this technology, an oxygen combustion process replaces the traditional combustion of coal in air. The former process results in an off gas of steam and pure CO2, which can be easily sequestered, rather than released to the atmosphere where it contributes to the green house effect. However, in spite of its promise, the technology is not yet used, primarily because pure oxygen is currently too expensive. This project will develop a low cost, high capacity sorbent for air separation to supply low cost oxygen for oxy-fuel combustion. Phase I will prepare various sorbent formulations and screen them to determine their capacity to absorb oxygen under representative conditions. Based on the performance results, a preliminary design of the air separation system will be carried out, its size and cost will be estimated, and an engineering assessment will be conducted for comparison to alternative processes. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Oxygen is a strategically important chemical, with a $2.0 billion market value. It supports the combustion of fuels that supply heat, light, and power and enters into oxidative combination with many materials. A cost-effective air separation technology should find immediate use in the nation¿s energy manufacturing and chemical industries.