Post-combustion carbon capture mediated by carbonic anhydrase

The emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired power plants emphasize the need for efficient carbon capture and storage. Post-combustion capture strategies are apparently more feasible in the short-term, as existing plants may be more easily retrofitted for implementation of CCS technologies with minimal capital costs. Among these processes, CO2 absorption into aqueous solutions along a biomimetic route is an attractive option in view of its eco-friendliness. The process, which has received consideration both at the scientific and technological levels since the early sixties, is based on CO2 absorption enhanced by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (EC 4.2.1.1). The scientific literature regarding biomimetic carbon capture and patented technologies proposed over the last decade are hereby surveyed, with specific consideration of key issues related to design of process units for implementation of biomimetic CO2 capture. Both regenerative and non-regenerative options are considered. The contribution of carbonic anhydrase, in either the free or the immobilized form, and the effect of operating conditions on process performance are analyzed, with an eye on the open issues and the research priorities. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.