Raman Sensor for the Determination of Gas Solubility

Abstract

Efficient and environmentally responsible use of resources requires the development and optimization of gas separation processes. A promising approach is the use of liquids that are designed for specific tasks, e.g., the capture of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. This requires an accurate determination of gas solubilities for a broad range of temperatures and pressures. However, state of the art measurement techniques are often very time consuming or exhibit other pitfalls that prevent their use as efficient screening tools. Here, we show that the application of Raman spectroscopy through a compact measuring system can simplify data acquisition for the determination of gas solubilities in liquids. To demonstrate that this approach is expedient, we determined gas solubilities of carbon dioxide in water for three isotherms T = (288.15, 293.15, 298.15) K over a pressure range from p = (0.5–5) MPa and in three imidazolium-based ionic liquids for one isotherm T = 298.15 K at pressures from p = (0.1–5) MPa. When compared to data in the literature, all results are within the reported uncertainties of the measurement techniques involved. The developed analysis method eliminates the need for a lengthy volume or mass calibration of the sample prior to the measurements and, therefore, allows for fast screening of samples, which can help to advance gas separation processes in scientific and industrial applications.