Use of monoethanolamine (MEA) for CO2 capture in a global scenario: Consequences and alternatives

This review aims at giving an overview of the main implications of using MEA as absorption solvent for CO2 capture together with the last advances in research to improve the conventional absorption process. Furthermore, alternatives of using other solvents and/or using other technology and their advantages and weak points will be briefly provided. An approach oriented to produce CO2-based products with economic value that can be re-integrated in a closed carbon loop, reducing the use of fresh materials and decreasing the production cost, should be the final objective of current research on CO2 capture.