Solvent-based CO₂ capture is a leading technology for post-combustion carbon capture. However, amine-based solvents degrade during operation due to thermal and oxidative reactions. This degradation reduces capture efficiency, increases solvent consumption, generates waste streams, and may lead to emissions of degradation products. Improved solvent management is therefore important to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, and to enable large-scale deployment of CO₂ capture technologies.
SolveMORE addresses these challenges by improving the understanding of solvent degradation mechanisms and their impact on process performance. Recent studies indicate that mildly degraded solvents may in some cases exhibit increased stability compared to fresh solvents, suggesting that not all degradation products negatively affect solvent performance. The project aims to identify compounds that contribute to solvent degradation as well as those that may inhibit it and suggest solvent management strategies that focus on removal of the problematic impurities.
SINTEF contributes through computational chemistry studies, solvent stability testing, and bench-scale reclaiming experiments. These activities support the identification of degradation pathways and the evaluation of solvent management strategies under laboratory and pilot-relevant conditions.
This project is funded by CETPartnership and aims to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions through research, innovation, and cross‑sector collaboration. For more information about CETPartnership and their work, visit: www.cetpartnership.eu
