An Assessment of Advanced Sorbents for Efficient CO₂ Capture in Blue Hydrogen Plants

Developments in carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technologies for blue hydrogen generation have identified the potential for advanced sorbents, especially solid sorbents and hybrid absorption-adsorption technologies, to deliver high efficiencies and low environmental costs in CO₂ capture. Yet, current research is often disconnected, addressing only individual dimensions such as techno-economic, environmental, or technical performance, thus making it difficult to compare and make decisions. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing a multi-criteria evaluation framework for advanced sorbents for effective CO₂ capture in blue hydrogen production. Our framework incorporates multiple assessment criteria, such as technical performance, economic viability, environmental sustainability, scalability and innovation. It employs a hybrid evaluation method with a combination of Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and performance-based assessment for a comprehensive assessment of sorbent technologies. Related studies have shown that solid sorbent technologies can have more than 90% CO₂ removal efficiency and greater than 95% purity with reduced costs compared to traditional amine-based technologies, while hybrid systems exhibit better long-term economic viability and improved capture performance. Visual tool (heatmap) and percentage analysis were used to present interpretability and aid decision-making. The new framework has better integration, standardization and industrial practicality than the existing frameworks. The research contributes to knowledge by offering a consistent and scalable evaluation framework that improves the design and selection of advanced sorbents, which in turn aids in the design of cost-effective and sustainable CO₂ capture technologies for blue hydrogen plants and worldwide decarbonisation.