Membrane-based carbon capture technologies: Membrane gas separation vs. membrane contactor

In this paper, the recent development of membrane-based carbon capture technologies is reviewed, including membrane gas separation (MGS) and membrane contactor (MC). The state of the art of both technologies and recent development of membrane materials are discussed. The main challenges such as plasticization and physical aging in MGS, and wetting phenomena in MC are then discussed, followed by attractive attempts to suppress them. In addition, both technologies are compared in terms of their characteristics, carbon capture performances, and techno-economic assessment. Finally, prospects and challenges of membrane-based carbon capture technology, especially at very high CO2 concentration are pointed out.