Energy-Efficient and Sustainable CO 2 Capture in MEA Systems Enabled by FeOOH Catalysts

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture is a cornerstone of global carbon neutrality, yet the high energy penalty associated with solvent regeneration—particularly for monoethanolamine (MEA) systems—remains a major barrier to its sustainable deployment. This study presents a sustainable and high-performance catalytic solution using micro-sized iron oxyhydroxide (β-FeOOH). Characterized by a high specific surface area ($287 m 2 /g) and a synergistic distribution of abundant Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, the β-FeOOH catalyst significantly enhances CO 2 desorption kinetics. Experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of β-FeOOH into a 30 wt% MEA solution increases the CO 2 desorption rate by 10.9% while simultaneously lowering the regeneration temperature from the conventional 120 °C to 85 °C. Such a reduction in thermal requirements offers a pathway to utilize low-grade industrial waste heat, drastically improving the process’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited remarkable cyclic stability over ten consecutive cycles, maintaining its structural integrity and catalytic activity. These findings highlight β-FeOOH as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and robust catalyst that aligns with the principles of green chemical engineering, offering a scalable strategy to enhance the sustainability of carbon capture operations.