An in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method for collecting real-time data for the liquid-phase reaction of CO2 and mono-ethanolamine in alcoholic solvent systems

摘要

A novel Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy method of analysis was developed to study the industrially important reaction of CO2 with the primary amine, mono-ethanolamine (MEA), in n-propanol as representative alcoholic solvent. A semi-batch reactor with a piston like 'floating' head was specifically designed in order to study the reaction in the liquid phase, thereby eliminating the mass transfer limitations of a gas-liquid system. An attenuated total reflectance (ATR) probe was used to monitor the change in reagent and product concentrations in-situ. Successful spectral peak identification and calibrations were performed in order to collect real time, reaction kinetic data. Data analysis confirmed that the zwitterion reaction mechanism most accurately describes the reaction in non-aqueous systems.