A review of cryogenic carbon capture research: Experimental studies, simulations, and application potential

Abstract

The growing global population has increased energy demand, primarily met by non-renewable sources, leading to higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerating climate change. Cryogenic carbon capture (CCC) offers a promising solution by extracting CO₂ from gas streams, cooling it into liquid or solid states, and reducing the reliance on harmful chemical solvents. This study reviews recent advancements in CCC, focusing on experimental research, simulations, and the technology readiness of CCC methods. The growing interest in CCC is fueled by technological progress and rising climate awareness. Modern methods, such as packed bed systems, external cooling loops, and CryoCell technology, can capture over 99% of CO₂, primarily using liquid cryogenic methods like liquid nitrogen. This approach enhances cooling efficiency and can be integrated with systems like heat exchangers to improve performance. Despite its promise, CCC remains in the research phase, with most applications at small-scale levels and simulations. Aspen Plus is the primary tool for modeling. Future research should focus on improving efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, and exploring hybrid systems that combine CCC with other techniques like adsorption and absorption. Additionally, converting captured CO₂ into valuable products, such as synthetic fuels and chemicals, could provide economic incentives. Addressing these challenges would allow CCC to significantly reduce industrial CO₂ emissions and support global climate action goals.