A Critical Review on Catalytic Regeneration of Amine Solutions for Energy‐Efficient CO ₂ Capture

ABSTRACT Amine‐based absorption has been regarded as the benchmark technology for CO 2 capture because of its high processing capacity and relatively mature process. However, its high‐energy consumption associated with solvent regeneration severely limits large‐scale deployment. In recent years, catalytic regeneration has emerged as a promising process intensification strategy to reduce regeneration energy consumption. By employing catalysts, the energy barriers for carbamate and bicarbonate decomposition can be largely reduced through enhanced proton transfer, acid‐base cooperativity, and interfacial mass transport. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in the catalytic regeneration of CO 2 ‐rich amine solutions. Acid catalysts are first classified according to material types and structural features. The catalytic mechanisms proposed for different systems are then discussed, together with catalyst deactivation and stability issues. Furthermore, emerging data‐driven catalyst design strategies based on machine learning, as well as process‐level evaluations using Aspen simulations, are summarized. Finally, recent pilot‐scale demonstrations and the integration of catalytic regeneration with other process intensification technologies are reviewed. Key challenges and future research prospects are identified, including catalyst durability under alkaline conditions, solvent‐catalyst compatibility, quantitative identification of active sites in liquid environments, and full‐process energy optimization. This review aims to provide insight into the rational development of catalytic regeneration of amine solution for energy‐efficient CO 2 capture technologies.