SCI和EI收录∣中国化工学会会刊

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 87 ›› Issue (11): 182-196.DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2025.06.011

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Nickel and iron impregnated alkali-modified fly ash nanoparticle for improved CO2 capture performance in MDEA aqueous solutions

Bing Gao1, Yiran Gao1, Yue Zhao1, Lemeng Wang1, Liqiang Qi1, Kun Zhao1, Dong Fu1, Jiaqi Wang2, Pan Zhang1   

  1. 1. Department of Environmental Science and Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China;
    2. China Environmental United Certification Center Co., Ltd., Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2025-03-05 Revised:2025-06-04 Accepted:2025-06-11 Online:2025-07-16 Published:2025-11-28
  • Contact: Pan Zhang,E-mail:zhangpan01@ncepu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52106009 and 52206011), the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (E2021502024), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2024MS170, 2023MS142, 2022MS109).

Nickel and iron impregnated alkali-modified fly ash nanoparticle for improved CO2 capture performance in MDEA aqueous solutions

Bing Gao1, Yiran Gao1, Yue Zhao1, Lemeng Wang1, Liqiang Qi1, Kun Zhao1, Dong Fu1, Jiaqi Wang2, Pan Zhang1   

  1. 1. Department of Environmental Science and Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China;
    2. China Environmental United Certification Center Co., Ltd., Beijing 100029, China
  • 通讯作者: Pan Zhang,E-mail:zhangpan01@ncepu.edu.cn
  • 基金资助:
    This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52106009 and 52206011), the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (E2021502024), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2024MS170, 2023MS142, 2022MS109).

Abstract: The use of amine-based absorbers, such as N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), for CO2 capture presents a promising strategy for emission reduction as global warming intensifies. However, high energy consumption and limited absorption/desorption efficiencies constrain its application. To address these challenges, this study developed a composite catalyst derived from fly ash (FA), which is alkali-modified and incorporates nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) elements, with the aim of enhancing CO2 absorption and desorption performance while reducing energy consumption. Experimental results indicated that the Ni/FA-AM catalyst significantly improved adsorption and absorption efficiencies, achieving an 8% increase in capacity, a 63% increase in peak adsorption rate, and a reduction of 6000 s in saturation time. Studies conducted in a wetted-wall column revealed that the absorption process predominantly occurs in the liquid phase. Additionally, the catalyst demonstrated a 19% improvement in desorption performance, a 10% increase in peak desorption rate, and a 24% reduction in energy consumption, while maintaining stability over five consecutive cycles. The alkali-modified and Ni/Fe-enriched fly ash was confirmed to form active acid-base sites, facilitating the formation and disappearance of bicarbonate, thereby enhancing CO2 capture efficiency. This was validated through XRD, BET, TPD, PY-IR, TEM, and FT-IR with 13C NMR characterization. This study highlights the potential of modified fly ash as a low-cost and efficient catalyst for CO2 capture.

Key words: CO2 absorption and desorption, Alkali-modified fly ash, MDEA, Nickel, Energy consumption

摘要: The use of amine-based absorbers, such as N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), for CO2 capture presents a promising strategy for emission reduction as global warming intensifies. However, high energy consumption and limited absorption/desorption efficiencies constrain its application. To address these challenges, this study developed a composite catalyst derived from fly ash (FA), which is alkali-modified and incorporates nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) elements, with the aim of enhancing CO2 absorption and desorption performance while reducing energy consumption. Experimental results indicated that the Ni/FA-AM catalyst significantly improved adsorption and absorption efficiencies, achieving an 8% increase in capacity, a 63% increase in peak adsorption rate, and a reduction of 6000 s in saturation time. Studies conducted in a wetted-wall column revealed that the absorption process predominantly occurs in the liquid phase. Additionally, the catalyst demonstrated a 19% improvement in desorption performance, a 10% increase in peak desorption rate, and a 24% reduction in energy consumption, while maintaining stability over five consecutive cycles. The alkali-modified and Ni/Fe-enriched fly ash was confirmed to form active acid-base sites, facilitating the formation and disappearance of bicarbonate, thereby enhancing CO2 capture efficiency. This was validated through XRD, BET, TPD, PY-IR, TEM, and FT-IR with 13C NMR characterization. This study highlights the potential of modified fly ash as a low-cost and efficient catalyst for CO2 capture.

关键词: CO2 absorption and desorption, Alkali-modified fly ash, MDEA, Nickel, Energy consumption