The collaboration between the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) and the company GASN2 is paving the way for advancements in CO₂ capture technology. The CAPTAPUR project, developed jointly by the Group of Environmental Process Engineering and Simulation (GESPA) at IQS, led by Dr. Rafael González Olmos and Dr. Javier Fernández García, and the GASN2 team, aims to design and implement an innovative prototype for high-purity carbon dioxide capture through adsorption processes. This pioneering project is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering a more accessible and sustainable solution to reduce CO₂ emissions.
CAPTAPUR: Advanced Technology for Industrial Decarbonization
The CAPTAPUR project, funded under the AGAUR Producte program, seeks to transform research results into practical applications with industrial impact. Collaboration between IQS and GASN2 is not new: since 2014, both teams have been working on solutions addressing the challenges of existing commercial technologies, such as amine-based CO₂ capture, which is characterized by high energy consumption, corrosion issues, and elevated costs.
The solution developed by GASN2 and IQS is based on Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) technology, which overcomes these limitations. This patented and validated technology enables CO₂ capture with lower energy consumption, providing a viable and cost-effective alternative for small and medium-sized enterprises. To date, a prototype (TRL3) has been developed, capable of capturing CO₂ with a purity of 70% from combustion gases, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable capture.
From Laboratories to Industry: Increasing TRL to Real-World Applications
Within the CAPTAPUR project, the GESPA group and GASN2 are working to scale this technology to a TRL 6 prototype, which will serve as the foundation for designing the first operational plants for high-purity CO₂ capture (99.9%). This prototype will validate the technology in real industrial environments (TRL 7), ensuring that companies can capture and reuse CO₂ generated in their own facilities. This reduces both emissions and the need to transport CO₂, promoting a circular economy system.
According to Jordi Pujol Parals, Chief R+D+i Officer of GASN2, “At GASN2, we are deeply committed to sustainability and proud to lead CO₂ capture technologies tailored to the current needs of the industry. Our collaboration with the GESPA group at IQS in this project allows us to apply and optimize the scale of our adsorption-based capture technology to high-purity levels, testing it in industrial environments and enhancing process efficiency. This includes developing a modular system that is flexible and efficient, adapting to the varying volumes of industry, and contributing to a circular economy model with the reuse of captured CO₂. With CAPTAPUR, we strengthen GASN2’s leadership in sustainable capture, promoting decarbonization aligned with climate goals and driving the sector towards a cleaner, more environmentally responsible industry.”
A Solid Alliance with Scientific and Industrial Results
The joint work of IQS and GASN2 has led to significant progress, including the completion of two industrial PhDs. The first, led by Dr. Ángel Gutiérrez Ortega, established the technological foundations, while the second, undertaken by Maria García Atencia, focuses on increasing the TRL and achieving CO₂ purities of 99%. Additionally, this collaboration has resulted in the publication of several high-impact scientific articles, highlighting its contribution to scientific knowledge in CO₂ capture technologies.
Towards a Sustainable Future with CAPTAPUR
The technology developed within the CAPTAPUR project not only provides solutions for reducing emissions but also promotes a circular economy where captured CO₂ can be reused. This represents a unique opportunity for industries seeking to integrate sustainability into their processes, while reducing costs and meeting climate targets.
Through this collaboration, IQS and GASN2 demonstrate the potential of applied research and innovation to address major sustainability challenges and drive the transition to a cleaner and more responsible industry.
