Strong degradation of polycarbonate and polystyrene by the CO₂ capture solvent diethyl sebacate

We report on observations of strong degradation of a polycarbonate vessel by a solvent being considered for a CO₂ capture process, diethyl sebacate. This degradation led to failure of a polymeric hollow fiber membrane unit. Additional tests showed rapid degradation of polycarbonate safety glasses and polystyrene-based petri dishes by exposure to diethyl sebacate at ambient conditions. We also report on safe operations with diethyl sebacate in extensive experiments studying the corrosion of steel in CO₂-pressurized reactors lined with PTFE and using PTFE gaskets. Used diethyl sebacate was also stored for long time periods in bottles made from low-density polyethylene bottles without physical deterioration. These observations indicate that care must be taken in development of new contactors and processes for CO₂ capture with diethyl sebacate and related solvents and in the choice of material for storage.