Reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is one of the most critical challenges in combating climate change. To address this, scientists are developing technologies that can capture CO₂ released from industrial plants and power stations.
Among the various methods available, amine-based absorption is currently the most developed and cost-effective option for capturing CO₂ after combustion (known as post-combustion CO₂ capture). However, this method requires a significant amount of energy, which has spurred efforts to find more energy-efficient alternatives.
One promising alternative to the widely used solvent ethanolamine (MEA) is CESAR1, a blend of two chemicals—2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ). Specifically, CESAR1 contains 3.0 M (molar concentration) AMP and 1.5 M PZ. Research has shown that CESAR1 performs better than MEA in several key areas:
- Lower energy consumption: It requires less energy to absorb and release CO₂, making it more efficient.
- Lower degradation rates: The solvent breaks down more slowly, which extends its lifespan and reduces waste.
- Higher CO₂ loading capacity: CESAR1 can absorb more CO₂ per unit of solvent, improving its overall performance.
Another advantage of CESAR1 is its non-proprietary nature, meaning it is not tied to any specific technology provider. This makes it accessible to more industries and a strong candidate to replace MEA as the standard solvent for CO₂ capture.
The combination of lower energy use, slower degradation, and higher efficiency makes CESAR1 a highly attractive solution for large-scale CO₂ capture. If implemented widely, it can help reduce the energy costs and environmental impacts of capturing CO₂, contributing to global climate goals.
This research has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101096521.
Publication – Development of a Validated Rate-Based Model
Abstract In this work, we developed a new e-NRTL thermodynamic framework for CO2 absorption in aqueous mixtures of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ) in Aspen Plus. The e-NRTL AMP/PZ/H2O/CO2 model was fitted on experimental data covering a range of AMP concentration from 12 to 48 mass % and PZ concentration…
Publication – Pilot-scale CO2 capture in a cement plant with CESAR1
Abstract Carbon capture from hard-to-abate industries is essential. This study investigates the effect of stripper pressure on the performance of amine-based CO2 capture from cement flue gas, using the CESAR1 solvent. Through a rigorous data filtering and binning methodology, experimental results were systematically categorized, enabling a precise evaluation of how…
New Publication: Aerosol Modeling in CO2 absorption using CESAR1
We are proud to announce that Hallvard F. Svendsen, Hanna K. Knuutila, Ardi Hartono, Maxime Francois and Diego Morlando at NTNU, together with external collaborators Peter Moser (RWE) and Georg Wiechers (RWE) have published a new article presenting results from the AURORA and SCOPE projects.The publication introduces a new class-based…
Thermodynamic Properties of CO₂ Absorption in CESAR1 — Essential Data for Better Process Modelling
We are proud to announce a new scientific publication from the AURORA project, authored by Diego Morlando, Ardi Hartono and Hanna K. Knuutila, published in Carbon Capture Science & Technology. This important work provides extensive experimental data on the thermodynamic properties of CESAR1, a key solvent blend for industrial carbon…
Journal Publication – In-Depth Study of CESAR1 Solvent Degradation Under CO₂ Capture Conditions
A new scientific publication based on research from the AURORA project has just been released in the journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. This study delivers an in-depth analysis of the degradation behaviour of the CESAR1 solvent —a popular choice for solvent-based post-combustion CO₂ capture.This work, developed under the AURORA…
Conference publication – GHGT-17: Viscosity and Density data for the CESAR1 solvent
Abstract Global warming is a major issue that needs to be addressed and limited. The CESAR1 solvent blend has a high potential for becoming a commonly employed, commercial solvent system. In this work, the viscosity and density data for aqueous CO2 loaded CESAR1 (26.6 wt.% AMP 12.8 wt.% PZ) solution…
Conference publication – GHGT-17: “Storage potential evaluation of eastern Mediterranean area as final step of the full chainassessment”
The final step in capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is geological storage, where CO₂ is injected deep underground into carefully chosen locations. These locations could be natural formations like saline aquifers (underground reservoirs filled with salty water) or empty oil and gas fields.This work, part of the AURORA…
Understanding Solvent Degradation in CO₂ Capture – CESAR1 Solvent Degradation in Pilot and Laboratory Scale
The fight against climate change requires innovative solutions, and one promising method is CO₂ capture and storage (CCS). CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions before it reaches the atmosphere. At the heart of this process are specialized chemical solvents, such as CESAR1, which absorb CO₂ from flue gases.While…
Turning Waste Into Opportunity: Thermal Reclamation Chemistry of Common Amine Solvents
CO2 capture technology is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But what happens when the chemicals used in this process wear out or degrade? Scientists have been studying how to rejuvenate these chemicals through a method called thermal reclaiming. This research focuses on ethanolamine (MEA), a widely used solvent for…
Closing Knowledge Gaps – Density and Viscosity of Unloaded and CO2-loaded Aqueous AMP-PZ blends
AURORA’s latest scientific journal publication provides experimental density and viscosity data on different unloaded and CO2-loaded aqueous blends of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ) used for absorption-based CO2 capture. The paper also provides correlations for density and viscosity suitable for various modelling works.In our previous review article, we identified knowledge…
Publication – Development of a Validated Rate-Based Model
Abstract In this work, we developed a new e-NRTL thermodynamic framework for CO2 absorption in aqueous mixtures of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP)…
Publication – Pilot-scale CO2 capture in a cement plant with CESAR1
Abstract Carbon capture from hard-to-abate industries is essential. This study investigates the effect of stripper pressure on the performance of…
New Publication: Aerosol Modeling in CO2 absorption using CESAR1
We are proud to announce that Hallvard F. Svendsen, Hanna K. Knuutila, Ardi Hartono, Maxime Francois and Diego Morlando at…
Thermodynamic Properties of CO₂ Absorption in CESAR1 — Essential Data for Better Process Modelling
We are proud to announce a new scientific publication from the AURORA project, authored by Diego Morlando, Ardi Hartono and…
Journal Publication – In-Depth Study of CESAR1 Solvent Degradation Under CO₂ Capture Conditions
A new scientific publication based on research from the AURORA project has just been released in the journal Industrial &…
Conference publication – GHGT-17: Viscosity and Density data for the CESAR1 solvent
Abstract Global warming is a major issue that needs to be addressed and limited. The CESAR1 solvent blend has a…
Conference publication – GHGT-17: “Storage potential evaluation of eastern Mediterranean area as final step of the full chainassessment”
The final step in capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is geological storage, where CO₂ is injected deep underground…
Understanding Solvent Degradation in CO₂ Capture – CESAR1 Solvent Degradation in Pilot and Laboratory Scale
The fight against climate change requires innovative solutions, and one promising method is CO₂ capture and storage (CCS). CCS involves…
Turning Waste Into Opportunity: Thermal Reclamation Chemistry of Common Amine Solvents
CO2 capture technology is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But what happens when the chemicals used in this process…
Closing Knowledge Gaps – Density and Viscosity of Unloaded and CO2-loaded Aqueous AMP-PZ blends
AURORA’s latest scientific journal publication provides experimental density and viscosity data on different unloaded and CO2-loaded aqueous blends of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol…