The absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by liquid solvents is one of the most promising processes for the practical realization of CO₂ capture and storage (CCS). Two different types of solvents may be applied for this purpose: chemical solvents that absorb CO₂ through chemical reactions and physical solvents that simply dissolve the gas.

Currently, the RITE Chemical Research Group is focusing on the use of chemical CO₂ solvents and is conducting research and development of solvents containing amine compounds as their main components. In the chemical absorption method, the solvent selectively absorbs CO₂ from a mixture of gases through chemical reactions and subsequently desorbs the CO₂ upon heating. This technique allows CO₂ capture from sources producing large quantities of CO₂ under either ambient or moderately high pressures.

The Chemical Research Group has been engaged in improving the performance of chemical CO₂ solvents for over a decade, with the aim of reducing the costs associated with CO₂ capture.