CO₂ Capture from Air Using Amine‐Functionalized Kaolin‐Based Zeolites

Abstract

Abstract Several inexpensive zeolites such as ZSM‐5 (MFI), zeolite Y (FAU), and SAPO‐34 (CHA) were developed from kaolin clay and applied for CO 2 capture from air. These molecular sieves were functionalized with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) in order to further improve their CO 2 capacity. The obtained kaolin‐based zeolites exhibited similar properties than those of zeolites prepared with other sources. They also revealed a bimodal pore network consisting of both micropores and mesopores. The effect of amine loading on CO 2 capture was investigated and the results demonstrated that TEPA‐modified zeolite Y with 10 wt % TEPA had a higher capacity than other zeolites due to its larger mesopore volume. The presence of mesopores in the zeolite Y framework facilitated a better accessibility of CO 2 molecules to the amine sites.