Project Title:

A Novel Sorbent for CO2 Removal

  94-1	12.07	2323	A

  A Novel Sorbent for CO2 Removal

Abstract:

The three best developed systems for CO2 removal from cabin air are 
molecular sieves, solid amine resins, and electrochemical CO2 
concentration. Because these processes require significantly more 
than the theoretical minimum energy needed to remove CO2, there is 
considerable room for improvement. 
To reduce power consumption and system complexity, TDA Research has 
identified a novel chemical sorbent that absorbs at 0.3% CO2 and is 
easy to regenerate. The sorbent is thermally stable, will not 
evaporate, does not require steam to desorb CO2, and has much 
higher CO2 loadings than molecular sieves. Experimental data 
demonstrate that the sorbent can absorbs CO2 in the presence of 
water vapor and can be regenerated with either waste heat, steam, 
or power.  
TDA will measure the sorbent CO2 loading under simulated spacecraft 
conditions, and carry out several full cycles. We will then design 
the components and regeneration system, estimate the weight and 
power requirements for both the sorbent and regeneration system, 
and compare the results to other advanced systems.  

The CO2 concentration system would also find application in 
ammonia production and methanol production plants.

Key Words

TDA Research, Inc.
12345 West 52nd Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033