The role of membranes in post-combustion CO2 capture

There are several technological options for post-combustion CO2 capture. Absorption with novel solvents, adsorption, conversion of CO2 into chemical products, calcium looping, and membrane technology are the main alternatives to the conventional absorption process based on amines. In this review, an overview of these technologies is presented and the role that membranes play is evaluated considering two approaches: (i) processes based on selective membranes (gas permeation and supported liquid membranes), and (ii) processes based on non-selective membranes (membrane contactors). The process performance demonstrated by recent research shows that membrane technology can fulfill the technical requirements for CO2 capture but a closer interaction with the industrial partners and membrane manufacturers is needed to implement this technology in the industry.