Performance evaluation of a novel CO2 absorbent: Dimethyl carbonate

• Pseudo on-line chromatography was used to determine the solubility of CO2 in DMC.
• Predictive models of the solubility of CO2 in DMC were then analyzed.
• Continuous CO2-DMC absorption and desorption experiments were carried out.
• DMC was compared with different CO2 absorbents using AspenPlus2006.

Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the binary carbon dioxide (CO2) + dimethyl carbonate (DMC) systems at 283.15, 293.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K up to 4.67 MPa are reported from pseudo on-line chromatography with liquid phase sampling experiments. These novel experimental results are discussed and compared with available literature data. The measured VLE data for the CO2-DMC system are then modeled using the Prausnitz–Shair activity coefficient method, molecular connectivity index and the Peng–Robinson (PR) equation of state. To comprehensively evaluate DMC's ability to capture CO2, a continuous absorption and desorption experimental apparatus was designed. A range of operating conditions that can influence the CO2-DMC absorption and desorption processes are investigated, including liquid–gas ratio, absorption temperature, desorption temperature and N2 flow. Finally, this paper compares established CO2 capture absorbents with DMC using AspenPlus2006 process modeling and finds that DMC is a potential absorbent and has prospects for future applications.