Oxidation of Amine Solvents Used in Aqueous Scrubbing for Post Combustion CO2 Capture
August 25, 2026
Ariel Z. Plantz, Gary T. Rochelle
The Texas Carbon Management Program investigates amine scrubbing for post-combustion CO2 capture, a mature, flexible technology suitable for both retrofits of existing power plants and greenfield installations. A primary research objective is understanding and mitigating oxidative degradation of the amine solvent. Degradation products can pose environmental and health risks, including NH3 emissions that contribute to PM2.5 formation. Solvent oxidation also raises plant operating expenses through increased energy consumption and higher amine makeup requirements. Metal-catalyzed peroxide decomposition is a major pathway for solvent oxidation, with iron the most potent catalyst. ICP-MS serves as a critical analytical tool for tracking dissolved metals throughout bench- and pilot-scale experiments, and can also help detect accelerated corrosion resulting from changes in operating conditions.