PPT Slide
CO2 is currently recovered from combustion exhaust streams for use as a commodity chemical. However, the cost of CO2 capture using current technology is much too high ($100-300/ton) for carbon emissions reduction applications. Research to reduce the cost is in the early stages, and the program is exploring a wide range of technologies, including membranes, solid sorbents, CO2 capture via the formation of CO2/water hydrates, and advanced gas/liquid contactors. Another approach to CO2 capture is to develop advanced fossil fuel energy conversion processes that exhaust CO2 in a more concentrated form, significantly reducing the capital and energy penalty cost for CO2 capture. Efforts in this area being pursued by the program are closely coordinated with DOE's Vision 21 Program.
CO2 Separation and Capture – The Achilles Heel?