Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a new class of green
solvents
that exhibit unique properties in various process applications. In
this regard, this study evaluated imidazole-type DESs as solvents
for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. A series of imidazole-type
DESs with different ratios was prepared through one-step synthesis.
The absorption capacity of CO2 in imidazole-type DESs was
measured through weighing, and the effects of temperature, hydrogen
bond acceptors, hydrogen bond donors, and water content were discussed.
DESs absorbed the effects of CO2. Im-MEA (1:2) was selected
to linearly fit lnη and 1/T using the Arrhenius
equation under variable temperature conditions, and a good linear
relationship was found. The results show the best absorption effect
for Im-MEA (1:4). At 303.15 K and 0.1 MPa, the absorption capacity
of Im-MEA (1:4) was as high as 0.323 g CO2/g DES; through
five times of absorption–desorption after the cycle, the absorption
capacity of DES was almost unchanged. Finally, the mechanism of CO2 absorption was studied using Fourier transform infrared and
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The absorption mechanism
of imidazole-type DESs synthesized using imidazole salt and an amine-based
solution was chemical absorption, and the reaction formed carbamate
(−NHCOO) to absorb CO2.