AM-TEPA Impregnated Disordered Mesoporous Silica as CO₂ Capture Adsorbent for Balanced Adsorption–Desorption Properties

Abstract

A disordered mesoporous silica was found to be a promising solid support for CO2 capture. It was prepared with a process similar to that for MCM-41. X-ray diffraction characterization (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed its disordered structure. N2 adsorption–desorption tests indicated that its average pore size is significantly larger than that of MCM-41. On this support was deposited acrylamide (AM)-modified tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), resulting in an adsorbent suitable for CO2 capture. This material exhibited well balanced adsorption and desorption properties. Substantially higher CO2 adsorption capacity (159.1 mg/g-adsorbent) was obtained with pure CO2 at 25 °C, and satisfactory stability during 12 adsorption–desorption turnovers was achieved.