An experimental based optimization of a novel water lean amine solvent for post combustion CO2 capture process

•Propose a new water lean amine solvent for CO2 capture.•The low regeneration energy of K2Sol is demonstrated through pilot plant operation.•K2Sol presents superior performances about cyclic capacity and thermal stability.•GPBO is used as a new way to optimize operating conditions in pilot-scale testing.•K2Sol requires only 65% of regeneration energy of MEA.