Effects of hydrophilic/lipophilic nanoparticles on the decomposition of NH4HCO3 solution

Aqueous ammonia is a potential absorbent for post-combustion carbon capture. Desorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) solution is one of key reactions of regeneration of the absorbent. Experimental studies on decomposition of NH4HCO3 solution with and without nano-TiO2 at different temperatures were conducted. Additions of nano-TiO2 into ammonium bicarbonate solutions decrease the apparent activation energy of overall decomposition reaction and accelerate the decomposition of ammonium bicarbonate solutions. Moreover, compared to hydrophilic nano-TiO2, hydrophilic lipophilic nano-TiO2 exerts more significant promoting effects on the decomposition reaction.