EPFL scientists have developed atom-thin graphene membranes with pyridinic-nitrogen at pore edges, demonstrating high performance in CO2 capture. This breakthrough advances efficient carbon capture technologies for mitigating climate change.

The Need for Efficient Carbon Capture

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) reduces CO2 emissions from industrial sources. However, current methods are energy-intensive and costly.

Membrane Technology Challenges

Membranes that selectively capture CO2 with high efficiency are needed, but current membranes are limited in CO2 permeance and selectivity. Creating membranes with high CO2 permeance and selectivity is challenging.

Graphene Membrane Breakthrough

Researchers led by Kumar Varoon Agrawal at EPFL developed membranes with exceptional CO2 capture performance by incorporating pyridinic nitrogen at graphene pore edges. The findings are published in Nature Energy.

Synthesis and Characterization

Single-layer graphene films were synthesized, and pores were introduced through controlled oxidation. Nitrogen atoms were incorporated at the pore edge as pyridinic N. Various techniques confirmed the incorporation of pyridinic nitrogen and CO2 complex formation.

High Performance

The membranes exhibited a high CO2/N2 separation factor, averaging 53 for 20% CO2 gas streams. 1% CO2 streams achieved separation factors above 1,000 due to competitive, reversible CO2 binding at pore edges.

Implications for Carbon Capture

These graphene membranes significantly advance carbon capture technology:

  • Higher efficiency: High CO2 permeance and selectivity enable effective capture.
  • Cost reduction: Improved efficiency reduces energy use and costs.
  • Scalability: Promising performance enables industrial-scale applications.
  • Climate change mitigation: Efficient carbon capture helps reduce industrial emissions.

Breakthroughs like this offer hope for reducing carbon emissions and achieving climate goals.

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