Optimization of High-Performance Membrane Processes for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture

Membrane processes are emerging as an attractive alternative to absorption for carbon capture, thanks to the high energy efficiency and modularity. To assess the real potential of membrane technology at a large scale, operating conditions need to be optimized in combination with the selected material. In this work, for the first time, we report the results of the techno-economic optimization of a double-stage membrane process for post-combustion carbon capture in the presence of a wide range of membranes, corresponding to several combinations of CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity. The optimization maps identify impact of various performance parameters on the cost. Also, the optimization results are used to chart out targets for permeance and selectivity, beyond which a further improvement does not result in cost reduction. Overall, this work gives important insights into the impact of membrane performances on the techno-economic feasibility of the optimized capture process and into the performance targets to make the technology more competitive.