Chemical looping combustion with nanosize oxygen carrier: a review

This paper reports latest advancement on oxygen carriers (OCs) and effect of particle size from micro- to nanoscale in chemical looping combustion (CLC). CLC is basically a carbon capture and storage technology with the objective to reduce carbon dioxide emission from fossil fuel-based power plants, and it has the potential to reduce the global warming. Attention has been drawn toward utilization of nanosize-based oxygen carrier for bulk application. CLC is a novel technology for combustion of fossil fuels that avoids dilution of carbon dioxide (CO2) with flue gases. Performance of CLC system depends upon redox reactivity and stability of oxygen carrier particles at high operating temperature. Oxides of metals like nickel, iron, copper, and mixed metals have also been discussed. Tendency of discussed nano-OC to agglomerate and stability at high temperature can be addressed by the use of suitable inert support materials. Reactivity of oxygen carrier increases with decreasing particle sizes from micro- to nanosize. Recent developments in nanosized oxygen carriers can be exploited for application. The challenges associated with nanosize oxygen carriers are stabilization and agglomeration at temperature above 600 degrees C. Different techniques have been proposed and investigated to overcome challenges. Various metal/metal oxide pair has been evaluated for its oxygen bearing capacity, stability, and resistance to agglomeration. Stability and agglomeration of nanosize oxygen carrier at temperature above 700 degrees C is an open issue.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the application of oxygen carriers in chemical looping combustion and the impact of particle size, highlighting the potential use of nanosized oxygen carriers. It demonstrates that as particle size decreases from micro- to nanoscale, the reactivity of oxygen carriers increases.