Enzyme mediated CO2 absorption for post-combustion carbon capture and storage process

The huge emission of greenhouse gases from fossil-fuelled power plants is emphasizing the need for efficient Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. The biomimetic CO2 absorption in aqueous solutions has been recently investigated as a promising innovative alternative for post-combustion CCS. The carbonic anhydrase (CA) - a broad group of ubiquitous enzymes – may catalyse the CO2 hydration reaction and then to promote CO2 absorption rate into aqueous solutions. Nevertheless the research on this issue is quite active, the reliable designing of absorption units still requires more details. The present study proposes the design of a random packing absorption column operated with alkaline solvents supplied with CA. The height of the packed bed to fulfil the 80% of CO2 abatement from a flue gas stream was as large as 15-20 m. A comprehensive discussion of effects of operating conditions and of CA features on unit performance is reported.