
SEIL Energy and IIT Madras Develop Innovative Carbon Capture Technology for a Greener Future – EQ
In Short : SEIL Energy and IIT Madras have partnered to develop Chemogel, a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based carbon capture solvent. Backed by ₹7.1 million in funding, this innovation enhances CO₂ absorption efficiency and sulfur dioxide tolerance. A pilot plant is underway to optimize performance, marking a major step toward decarbonizing industries and advancing global climate change mitigation efforts.
In Detail : SEIL Energy India Limited has collaborated with IIT Madras to develop an advanced carbon capture technology aimed at reducing industrial emissions. The partnership focuses on Chemogel, a nanoparticle-based solvent patented by IIT Madras, which improves the efficiency of carbon dioxide capture. This innovation is expected to enhance sustainability efforts in the power sector.
Chemogel is an amino-derived microgelated solvent that outperforms traditional amine-based solutions. It offers higher carbon capture rates, better regeneration efficiency at various temperatures, and improved sulfur dioxide tolerance. These advantages make it a promising alternative for industrial-scale carbon capture applications, particularly in coal-fired power plants.
The development of Chemogel is supported by SEIL’s corporate social responsibility initiative, with a funding contribution of ₹7.1 million. Researchers from IIT Madras’s Department of Chemical Engineering, led by Professor Jitendra Sangwai, are working alongside SEIL to test and refine this technology. A pilot plant is being established to evaluate its performance under real-world industrial conditions.
Professor Sangwai emphasized the importance of decarbonizing industrial clusters to achieve net-zero emissions. He noted that large-scale, industry-oriented carbon capture technologies like Chemogel are critical for addressing global climate challenges. The pilot studies will help ensure the technology meets industry standards and can be deployed effectively.
SEIL’s CEO, Raghav Trivedi, expressed confidence in the partnership with IIT Madras, stating that this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize carbon capture. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with SEIL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
This joint effort between SEIL Energy and IIT Madras represents a significant step in the fight against climate change. By developing and optimizing Chemogel, the two organizations are working towards scalable carbon capture solutions that can help industries transition to cleaner operations while mitigating environmental impact.