Combined Energy Recovery & CO2 Removal Project (CoECR Project)

Lead Research Organisation: CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY
Department Name: School of Water, Energy and Environment

Abstract

We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted multi-disciplinary investigation into understanding of synthesis
and performance of carbon capture materials (CCMs) yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a
major leap forward into understanding of manufacturing low cost and efficient CCMs with unique properties and
applications. A systematic investigation will be carried out to examine the performance of the molecularly imprinted
polymers (MIP) synthesized for CO2 capture through suspension polymerisation technique. This research involves the
application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of synthesis and performance of prepared MIPs
comprising: HRSEM,TEM, XRD, adsorbing/desorbing rig, gas analyser. A substantially better understanding of the
synthesis process and performance of MIPs is likely to yield important economic benefits, e.g. better process control,
efficiency, improved reproducibility and the capacity to modify products for specific applications. Such a step forward to a
new level of understanding would open the way to innovative applications in both residential and industrial emission emitter
systems.

Planned Impact

The programme will have a high level of interaction with industry and public to maximize the impact of this research. Initial
discussions about the project will make use of existing network as a way to raise the project's profile and to identify
potential partners for future exploitation of the research results. Some actions are highlighted as follows.
All investigators and researchers will be actively engaged with the UKCCSRC.
Headline results will be disseminated by regular liaison with the Biomass Energy Center (BEC) and contacts within DECC,
Defra and OFGEM, while the more detailed research findings will be disseminated through conventional academic
publications.
A workshop will be organized in partnership with the UKCCSRC during the project period. The workshops will promote a
high level of participation, attract a high proportion of industrialists and provide a stimulating and lively forum for the
discussion of the most up to date issues in development of a well-controlled carbon capture system with maximum
efficiency.
The investigators will work with the Press Officer in Cranfield University, who will organize press releases about news,
progress and events associated with this project to web-based, local and national media. Recent examples includes the
BBC One Show "Best Way to Board" videoed in Cranfield. Similar opportunities will be explored.
Ultimately society will benefit from this project if the research work actually leads to increased deployment of carbon
capture systems. The success of this project will open up the possibility for commercial exploitation of advanced energy
technologies. All the investigators are very experienced in industrial and international collaborations. The PI and
Researcher Co-I has been coordinating EU Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) projects,
and successfully delivered 10+ Industrial CASE Award, KTP, TSB projects. Many of the outcomes of this programme, such
as high efficiency carbon capture materials, fluidized reactor concepts and monitoring system could be further explored via
those routes with industrial relevance. It is likely that some proposed research activities are expected to lead to exploitable
results.
The newly established Center for Bioenergy and Resource Management has 35 PhD students, and 5 postdoc researchers
and is expected at least 3 new Postdoc joining in each year. Considering the current funding shortfall for Post-doc
researcher, that one new member from Cranfield will bring new blood of young researchers.
The full impact of research will be in line with the standard practice in the partners' universities. Therefore no resources will
be requested beyond staff and travel costs and consumables identified in the Justification of Resources.
 
Description A technology for the sequestration of carbon dioxide from smaller scale sources by means of a Thermal Swing Adsorption (TSA) into novel CO2-selective Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs)
Exploitation Route The technology needs scale-up in order to be viable for the sequestration of CO2 from industrial scale sources. Mainly the scale-up of the MIPs production will be necessary.
Sectors Energy

Environment

 
Description BEIS Energy Entrepreneurs Fund Scheme, Phase Five
Amount £800,000 (GBP)
Organisation Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start  
 
Title Production of size-tuned imprinted polymeric adsorbents through combination of suspension polymerisation and membrane emulsification 
Description A practical scale strategy for production of molecularly imprinted and non-imprinted polymeric CO2 adsorbents was developed by combining the suspension polymerisation and membrane emulsification approaches. The produced material in this approach, are size-tuned and have a optimum morphology against conventional mechanical attrition in typical gas-solid capture systems. The same approach can be used for production of different types of polymeric solid adsorbents. 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2016 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The polymeric adsorbents that are produced using this approached are size-tunned and have a optimum morphology against conventional mechanical attrition in typical gas-solid capture systems 
 
Description Production and characterisation of polymeric CO2 adsorbents 
Organisation Loughborough University
Department Department of Chemical Engineering
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution One of our Carnfield's student (AN) was sent to Dr Vladisavljevic's lab (Loughborough University) to develop the polymeric materials there. We designed a dynamic CO2 adsorption rig for Loughborough university.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Vladisavljevic (Loughborough University) provided suspension polymerisation, membrane emulsification, and material characterisation (XPS, FTIR, SEM, TGA, Volumetric Gas Adsorption Apparatus, UV-Vis absorption spectrometer) facilities.
Impact - Two journal papers is already published in "Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects" and "Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects". - Three conference papers/presentations in "2nd Annual InterPore UK Chapter conference (Loughborough, 2016)", "Formula VIII (Barcelona, 2016)" and "1st Chemistry in Energy Conference (Edinburgh, 2015)". - One filed patent (Gas Capture using Polymeric Particles; UK Patent Application No. 1610994.4). - One submitted journal paper in "Fuel". - One journal paper to be submitted in "Environmental Science & Technology". - 1 journal paper under preparation.
Start Year 2015
 
Title Gas Capture using Polymeric Particles 
Description This invention relates to an apparatus for and a method of making polymeric materials which can adsorb gases such as carbon dioxide, polymeric materials which can adsorb such gases and a method for adsorbing such gases. 
IP Reference GB1610994.4 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted
Licensed No
Impact A series of polymeric CO2 adsorption is developed that can be used for reducing the CO2 emission from small-to-large source points (domestic, industrial, and power sections).
 
Description 1st Chemistry in Energy Conference (Edinburgh) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Our work was presented as a poster presentation. Several considered our material as one of the most promising alternative for emission reduction.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description 2nd Annual InterPore UK Chapter conference (Loughborough, UK) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Several professional commented on the material developed in this project, and mentioned upon further improvement of material, it can be considered as one of promising CO2 adsorbent.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Formula VIII conference (Barcelona) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact More than 50 peoples saw our work as a poster presentation. Several considered our material as one of the most promising alternative for emission reduction.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016