Adsorbents for CO2 capture

Semester Projects

Description

Global climate change demands innovative strategies for mitigating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Among these, the use of adsorbent materials like Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites for CO2 capture holds promise. This research project aims to carry out a life cycle assessment (LCA) that will focus on different methods of temperature swing adsorption processes for MOFs and zeolites.

Also, the study will compare the different regeneration strategies of the adsorbent which includes TSA (direct heating of the adsorbent using air, indirect heating via electrical heaters), steam assisted TSA, temperature vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) processes . The assessment will evaluate their environmental impacts across various life stages, including system setup, activation, adsorption capabilities, regeneration, and end-of-life management, to offer a holistic view of their eco-friendliness.

Objectives

  1. To conduct an LCA of various temperature swing adsorption processes involving zeolites and MOFs, focusing on different regeneration configurations including TSA and TVSA.
  2. To identify the environmental advantages and disadvantages of each of the temperature swing adsorption processes involving these materials.
  3. To offer recommendations for optimizing the lifecycle environmental impacts of these processes, thereby informing future developments in CO2 capture technologies.

Skills

  • Interest and understanding of carbon capture technologies and other energy technologies
  • independent and motivated
  • Basic knowledge in using OpenLCA is preferred
  • Results interpretation and report writing
  • Language skills: English (C1/C2 level)
  • Systematic thinker and problem-solver oriented
  • Background: Chemical Engg, Material science Mech Engg, Computer Science, Energy Engg

Supervision

If interested, please contact Sanjay Venkatachalam (sanjay.venkatachalam@epfl.ch/+41 076 265 33 58) attaching your CV, Cover Letter and transcript of records (Bachelor’s and Master’s). Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Early applications are encouraged.

Practical information

<<<<<<< HEAD:05-LCA/Carbon_capture.qmd The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Working in Sion office or remotely is possible. ======= The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Working in Sion office or remotely depends on Covid situation. >>>>>>> 16bcd0bb3c2dbf0f42de7612097fe7c9c3f40468:05-LCA/CO2_Capture_adsorbents.qmd