Absorption degree analysis on biogas separation with ionic liquid systems

•Thermodynamics and mass transfer properties were combined.•A new criterion “absorption degree” was proposed.•Absorption degree analysis is efficient for screening absorbents.•The [bmim][NO3] + NHD mixture is recommended for biogas separation.

For biogas upgrading, present work mainly focuses on either thermodynamics or mass transfer properties. A systematical study on these two aspects is important for developing a new biogas separation process. In this work, a new criterion “absorption degree”, which combines both thermodynamics and mass transfer properties, was proposed for the first time to comprehensively evaluate the absorption performance. Henry’s law constants of CO2 and CH4 in ionic liquids–polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers mixtures were investigated. The liquid-side mass transfer coefficients (kL) were determined. The results indicate that IL–NHD mixtures exhibit not only a high CO2/CH4 selectivity, but also a fast kL for CO2 absorption. The [bmim][NO3] + NHD mixtures present a high absorption degree value for CO2 but a low value for CH4. For presenting a highest relative absorption degree value, the 50 wt% [bmim][NO3] + 50 wt% NHD mixture is recommended for biogas upgrading.