What is the chemical reaction that occurs in CO2 absorbers?

The chemical reaction that occurs in CO2 absorbers is best described as neutralization. CO2 absorbers work by capturing carbon dioxide from the air or from a gas stream. This process typically involves the reaction of carbon dioxide with a base to form a carbonate or bicarbonate compound.

In the context of neutralization, carbon dioxide, which can be considered an acid (as it forms carbonic acid when dissolved in water), reacts with a substance that can donate hydroxide ions (OH-) or has a basic character. This reaction leads to a decrease in acidity, effectively stabilizing the CO2 and removing it from the environment, which is the core function of CO2 absorbers.

Understanding that this process involves a basic reaction is crucial, as it defines the mechanism by which CO2 is managed in various systems such as respiratory circuits in medicine or chemical scrubbers in industrial settings.