Porous Liquids: ‘Filling the gaps’ in gaseous capture and separation

What is it about?

Porous liquids, a new class of materials, are liquid at room temperature, and possess permanent porosity (a quality generally associated with solids). In this review, the authors present recent developments in the field of porous liquids and explore how they can tackle energy and environmental issues. Porous liquids have cavities in them, which make them absorbent. On an industrial scale, being liquids, they are easier to handle than solids are, and can help improve gas capture and separation—a process required in industrial functioning. When used with membrane contactors, they can be used industrially to separate and store carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gases. These liquids can also be used in carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization (CCSU) to cleanse industrial emissions and the atmosphere of carbon dioxide.

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Photo by Braedon McLeod on Unsplash

Photo by Braedon McLeod on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The process of industrial gaseous chemical separation accounts for 10–15% of the world’s energy consumption. Improving this process will reduce energy consumption as well as the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere. This is very important to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement goals, which focus on limiting global warming. It is also important for reducing pollution overall. KEY TAKEAWAY: Porous liquids, when coupled with membrane technology, can absorb and separate CO₂ and other gases while being energy efficient. They can be used industrially for chemical separation, thereby lessening the environmental impact of the process.