Influences of zinc–metal complex on the carbon dioxide regeneration behaviors of alkanolamine absorbents

In this work, primary (MEA), secondary (DEA) and tertiary (MDEA) alkanolamine absorbents with a synthesized zinc–metal complex functioning as a carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimetic catalyst were applied to the absorption–desorption of carbon dioxide. Regeneration of carbon dioxide was evaluated by using a semi-batch system and the formation and extinction of bicarbonate and carbamate species were analyzed by FTIR and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The zinc–metal complex can cause the rapid conversion from bicarbonate to carbon dioxide, confirming that the regeneration rate could be increased substantially.