In this work, primary (MEA), secondary (DEA) and tertiary (MDEA) alkanolamine absorbents with a synthesized zinc-metal complex functioning as a carbonic anhydrase (CA) mimetic catalyst were applied to the absorption-desorption of carbon dioxide. Regeneration of carbon dioxide was evaluated by using a semi-batch system and the formation and extinction of bicarbonate and carbamate species were analyzed by FTIR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The zinc-metal complex can cause the rapid conversion from bicarbonate to carbon dioxide, confirming that the regeneration rate could be increased substantially. © 2015 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.