Work

Recyclable bio-based polylactic acid gas-liquid membrane contactor for carbon capture process

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The need for sustainable and carbon-neutral technologies is growing due to ambitious climate goals and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is emerging as a key approach to closing the carbon cycle, with membrane-based CO2 absorption reducing energy demands during the capture process. However, conventional membranes rely on fossil-based polymers and toxic solvents, raising concerns about their environmental impact. This study introduces a bio-based membrane contactor for CCU applications, utilizing polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable and sustainable biopolymer. The influence of polymer concentration, molecular weight, crystallinity, solvent type, and recycling on membrane morphology and CO2 capture performance was investigated. The PLA membranes exhibited asymmetric morphologies ranging from finger-like to sponge-like structures. Higher polymer concentration and molecular weight increased sponge-like morphology, while solvents with stronger solvating power promoted finger-like structures. Interestingly, initial polymer crystallinity did not influence membrane morphology, but crystallinity induced during synthesis supported sponge-like structures. Membranes made with high molecular weight PLA and wide finger-like morphologies demonstrated stable CO2 capture performance (2.36 x105 m3/m2·s), comparable to commercial fossil-derived membranes (2.47 x105 m3/m2·s). Furthermore, recycled membranes retained CO2 capture performance over five cycles (2.04 – 2.26 x105 m3/m2·s). This study highlights the potential of bio-based membranes to enable energy-efficient and circular CO2 capture, taking significant steps toward greener, more sustainable CCU technologies.

Source: Carbon Capture Science & Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ccst.2025.100428

Authors: Kamyll Dawn Cocon, Alexandre Duvieusart, Cristhian Molina-Fernández, Yusak Hartanto, Patricia Luis

Institutions: UCLouvain, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000