Sorbents for the Capture of CO2 and Other Acid Gases: A Review

The processes that produce CO2 and other acid gases (SOx, NOx, and H2S) generate value for society. However, these gases are environmental pollutants, and their emission into the atmosphere undermines the value they create. In the face of climate change, CO2 emissions require attention on an unprecedented scale. Abatement technologies focused on carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) enable the continued use of processes and resources that produce CO2 (and other acid gases) while minimizing their effect on the environment. This review explores the role sorbents play in emission abatement and the acid gas "economy". We identify 15 sorbent categories, evaluating their performance at both the material and the system levels. We conclude with anticipated research opportunities and future trends in acid gas separation.