Alberto Arici’s research stay at TUHH

During a research stay at the Institute of Multiphase Flows, Hamburg University of Technology, Alberto Arici carried out a systematic experimental investigation of aqueous ionic-liquid mixtures for CO₂ capture.

Photograph from the research stay at the Institute of Multiphase Flows — During the research stay at the Institute of Multiphase Flows.

Density, viscosity and surface tension were measured over a wide range of compositions and temperatures, producing a consistent thermophysical dataset for two ionic liquids.

A Taylor-bubble setup was then developed and operated using three capillaries of different diameter. High-speed video recordings and image analysis were used to study bubble rise dynamics and to determine the liquid-side mass-transfer coefficient k_L from the progressive decrease in CO₂ bubble volume.

High-speed camera and back-light of the Taylor-bubble capillary rig — High-speed camera and back-light used to record the rising bubbles.

A Taylor bubble rising inside one of the capillaries — A CO₂ Taylor bubble rising in one of the three capillaries.

The work connects solvent composition, thermophysical properties, confined bubble hydrodynamics and mass-transfer performance, providing useful insights for solvent selection and for the design of future CO₂ absorption processes.