Life cycle assessment of post-combustion CO2 capture: A comparison between membrane separation and chemical absorption processes

Simulation results highlighted that life cycle emissions of CO2 capture based on membrane separation process were strongly related to membrane material and thickness of the dense active layer, influencing the net power consumption and membrane area requirement. Membrane configurations investigated allowed to reduce to such an extent environmental impacts compared to CO2 capture based on monoethanoalmine (MEA) absorption. The greatest reduction potential was observed for human toxicity and impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems, because of the elimination of environmental concerns related to solvent manufacturing and disposal of amine reclaimer wastes.