Toward Sustainable Metal-Organic Frameworks for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture by Life Cycle Assessment and Molecular Simulation
Journal
ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of materials, have been regarded as highly promising adsorbent materials for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). To date, most reported studies have mainly focused on evaluating MOF candidates based on their adsorption properties (e.g., selectivity) or their performance using a process model. The overall environmental impact of this emerging new class of materials remains unknown. Several aspects, including the energy load and resource depletion from the MOF production process as well as other steps in the life cycle system of MOF-based CCS, should also be considered. Herein, we assess the impact of a diverse set of approximately 50 MOFs for CCS via life cycle assessment and molecular simulation. Our results identify that, aside from the impact imposed by the CO2 separation process, the use of solvents (i.e., type and amount) in the MOF production process plays a critical role. Particularly, for environmental impacts such as the eutrophication potential, solvent use can be the most significant contributor. Seeking greener alternatives (e.g., methanol and water) and improving their recycle rates are therefore essential. Comparing with the monoethanolamine scrubbing technology, we have also identified several promising structures in this study. The outcomes of this study are instrumental to the future development of novel porous materials. ? 2021 American Chemical Society.
Subjects
Carbon capture
Environmental impact
Eutrophication
Metal-Organic Frameworks
Molecular structure
Organometallics
Porous materials
Adsorbent materials
Adsorption properties
Carbon capture and sequestrations
Eutrophication potentials
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Metalorganic frameworks (MOFs)
Molecular simulations
Post-combustion carbon captures
Life cycle
Type
journal article