Enhanced performance of a biomimetic membrane for Na2CO3 crystallization in the scenario of CO2 capture

摘要: Abstract Membrane assisted crystallization (MACr) offers an innovative platform for crystallizing Na2CO3, allowing its reuse after CO2 capture from flue gases by alkaline solution (i.e., NaOH). In this study, the biomimetic aquaporin Inside™ membrane AIM60 was employed to enhance water removal, facilitating Na2CO3 crystallization. The channel in active layer, comprising proteins, and strong wettability of substrate assist a better performance. For instance, flux concentrating 1.89 mol L−1 (osmotic pressure 94.8 bar) forward osmosis (FO) mode 6.62 L m−2 h−1 3.25 L m−2 h−1 retarded (PRO) when 5.13 mol L−1 NaCl 304.9 bar) as draw solution. This demonstrates that FO outperformed previously reported dense reverse (0.21 L m−2 h−1 0.16 L m−2 h−1 PRO mode) porous hydrophobic hollow fiber (0.08 L m−2 h−1) under same operating conditions. Crystallization utilizing osmotic crystallizer achieved without noticeable scaling or degradation. Furthermore, proper control supersaturation level induces Na2CO3·10H2O crystals with purity 99.94%. Hence, may be promising alternative existing methods application scenario.