Materials challenges for the development of solid sorbents for post-combustion carbon capture

In an effort to reduce the energy penalty and cost associated with state-of-the-art carbon capture technologies, a range of 2nd and 3rd generation CO₂ capture technologies are being developed. One of these technologies, based on solid sorbents for the gas separation in carbon capture, has the potential to significantly reduce the energy penalty and avoid some of the problems associated with the current technologies. However to realise this potential, two main developments are required: new porous materials and new plant integration processes. This application note describes the performance requirements and challenges associated with the development of functional materials for this application. We describe the key challenges for materials development and the requirements in terms of operating conditions, gas composition, stability, and lifetime to make solid sorbents a viable large scale CO₂ capture process. Examples of potential future research and breakthrough materials currently being developed are also discussed.