Industrial Byproduct Hydrogen Recovery: Mixed Solvent Design, Process Optimization, and Assessment
Date
2024-09-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energy & Fuels
Abstract
Recovering industrial byproduct hydrogen helps to minimize the environmental impact associated with hydrogen production. In this study, we propose an innovative approach for hydrogen recovery using an ionic liquid (IL)–methanol mixed solvent. By solving a computer-aided ionic liquid design-based mixed-integer nonlinear programming optimization problem, butylmethylammonium tetrafluoroborate ([N4,1,0,0][BF4]) is identified as the best cosolvent candidate. Subsequently, two process designs for hydrogen recovery using the [N4,1,0,0][BF4]-methanol mixed solvent are proposed and then rigorously simulated in Aspen Plus, followed by a comprehensive process assessment study. Results indicate that the absorption process making use of the IL–methanol mixed solvent is not competitive due to its demand for a large amount of solvent, leading to high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and total annual cost (TAC). Conversely, the IL–methanol-based extractive distillation process achieves notable energy savings of 26.0%, a 24.2% reduction in carbon emissions, and a 10.2% decrease in TAC compared to a benchmark hydrogen recovery process. This study underscores the flexibility and potential of the IL–methanol-based extractive distillation technology in industrial hydrogen recovery applications, paving the way for sustainable and efficient hydrogen production processes.
Description
This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Energy & Fuels, copyright © 2024 American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c03005.
This article will be embargoed until 09/05/2025.
Keywords
absorption, distillation, hydrogen, separation science, solvents, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, climate action
Citation
Guo, Ziqi, Yang Lei, Yuming Chen, Xinyan Liu, Xiaoqin Wu, and Yuqiu Chen. “Industrial Byproduct Hydrogen Recovery: Mixed Solvent Design, Process Optimization, and Assessment.” Energy & Fuels 38, no. 18 (September 19, 2024): 17855–65. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.4c03005.