Capture of Sulfur Dioxide in Ship Exhaust Gas by Tertiary Amine Absorbents

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from ship exhausts pose serious health and environmental concerns. Herein, the SO₂ absorption and desorption characteristics of tertiary amines with different functional groups were explored under simulated ship exhaust gas conditions. Tertiary amines with electron-donating groups had superior absorption performance to those with electron-withdrawing groups, and highly polar absorbents exhibited enhanced SO₂ absorption loading. Dimethylaniline (DMA) showed excellent desorption performance, outperforming other absorbents (amino acids, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents) in terms of cyclic capacity. Thus, tertiary amines, especially DMA, can be potentially used for the prevention of SO₂ emissions from ship exhausts and other desulfurization applications.