Binxu Gao
PhD thesis title: Techno-economic analysis of CO₂ purification units (CPU) for steel plants using novel carbon capture technologies
Academic Tutor: Paolo Chiesa
Academic Supervisor: Giampaolo Manzolini
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy and Power Engineering, Guangxi University
MSc: Energy and Power Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology
Thesis abstract
I explore the subtle balance between capturing CO₂ and purifying it to transport-ready quality. In steel plants, CO₂ streams from capture units often contain impurities that violate transport and storage standards. Using Aspen Plus simulations, I design and assess purification processes and its techno-economic performance. My goal is to uncover the optimal trade-off between CO₂ capture, purification and transport: sometimes capturing less CO₂ but purifying more efficiently leads to lower overall costs? It’s a interesting challenge where engineering meets economics.
Personal interest in my research theme
I chose this research topic because achieving cost-effective and efficient CO₂ purification is a key challenge in industrial carbon capture deployment. I find it fascinating to explore the interplay between technical performance and economic feasibility. I am motivated by the potential impact this work can have on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and the trade-off between CO₂ capture, purification and transport.
