Performance assessment of the hybrid nanofluid mixture of iron oxide nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets in the elimination of CO2 from the air, using a venturi scrubber

 The combustion of fossil fuels to supply energy produces large amounts of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide emissions have led to rising global temperature and many natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, rising sea levels, and widespread droughts, that threaten ecological systems and human life. Therefore, the uptake and removal of carbon dioxide from sources or the environment play a key role in countering the threat of global warming.

In this study, a venturi scrubber was utilized to eliminate CO2 from the air stream on a semi-industrial scale. The effects of different parameters including inlet air flow rate to the venturi scrubber, solvent flow rate, and solvent loss during the scrubbing process were investigated on CO2 absorption by a nanofluid solvent containing iron oxide/water at the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) as a surface-active material.

The surface-active material of TMAH prevents the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the base fluid and stabilizes the fluid. The maximum efficiency of absorption and the highest molar flux of CO2 were achieved when iron oxide nanoparticles were used along with graphene nanosheets with the ratios of iron oxide nanoparticles (25%) and graphene nanosheets (75%) at the presence of TMAH surface-active material due to their nature. The reason is the better agitation (of the solution) by iron oxide nanoparticles that results in an increased displacement of graphene nanosheets. The random Brownian movements of nanoparticles create micron size eddies that increase mass transfer at the gas-liquid interface. In addition, molar flux and CO2 gas absorption efficiency decreased by increasing the concentration of nanoparticles.