Aramco and CoorsTek Develop Innovative Membrane Technology to Reduce Industrial Carbon Emissions

Energy giant Aramco and CoorsTek Membrane Sciences have announced a collaborative partnership to develop and commercialize advanced metal-ceramic membrane technology that could significantly transform carbon capture processes across energy-intensive industries.

The innovative technology focuses on a streamlined approach to carbon capture, utilizing catalytic membrane reformers that convert hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). This process enables efficient CO2 capture and storage while producing hydrogen as a decarbonized energy carrier.

According to Aqil Jamal, Carbon Management R&D Chief Technologist at Aramco, the breakthrough lies not just in the membrane itself, but in its unique coupling with catalysts. This approach allows surpassing traditional equilibrium limits for chemical reactions, substantially reducing the energy required for CO2 separation.

Per Vestre, Managing Director of CoorsTek Membrane Sciences, highlighted the potential economic impact, noting that their techno-economic models suggest the technology could lower decarbonization costs for ethylene production by up to 50% compared to existing alternatives like post-combustion carbon capture or direct electrification.

The collaboration represents a significant step towards addressing global emission reduction targets. By simplifying pre-combustion carbon capture processes, the partnership aims to create more cost-effective and efficient pathways for industrial decarbonization.

Ali A. Al-Meshari, Senior Vice President of Technology Oversight & Coordination at Aramco, emphasized the partnership's potential to unlock new possibilities for reducing carbon emissions in industrial processes. Timothy Coors, Chairman of CoorsTek Membrane Sciences, echoed this sentiment, noting the technology's potential to enable more efficient hydrogen value chains at a global scale.

Tiju Joseph from Aramco characterized the development as more than a technical achievement, describing it as a transformative breakthrough with the potential to create entirely new supply chains and business models in the energy sector.

The metal-ceramic membrane technology is not limited to CO2 capture; it also shows promise for hydrogen extraction from ammonia, further expanding its potential applications across various industrial processes.

As industries worldwide seek innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, this collaboration between Aramco and CoorsTek Membrane Sciences represents a promising approach to addressing climate change challenges through technological innovation.