Advanced Amino Acid-Based Technologies for CO2 Capture: A Review

Capture and utilization or storage of CO2 have been considered as the primary options to reduce the impact on the climate caused by CO2 emissions. Several technological approaches have been proposed depending on the point of actuation (precombustion, postcombustion, or oxyfuel combustion), but absorption processes are still the most extended solution implemented in the industry. Alkanolamines are typical solvents used for CO2 capture, even though they have a noticeable negative impact on the environment. Amino acids and their salts have been appointed as alternative solvents since their functional group is similar to that of alkanolamines but presenting better properties. In addition, they show very good performance in CO2 capture. This manuscript reviews the state of the art of the use of amino acids in CO2 capture and the main technologies involving the application of these solvents.