Preparation of pentaethylenehexamine-functionalized mesocellular silica foams and their application for CO2 adsorption

Abstract

Mesocellular silica foam (MCF) was prepared using P123 (EO20-PO70-E20) as template and then functionalized with pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) for CO2 adsorption. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). These results indicated that after modification with PEHA, the structure of the support itself was undamaged. The highest CO2 adsorption capacity of MCF-PEHA was obtained at 75 °C. With increasing PEHA loading, the CO2 adsorption capacity increases and approached the highest adsorption capacity (3.55 mmol·g-1) with a 70% (w) PEHA loading. Moisture improved the CO2 adsorption performance of the adsorbents. Repeated adsorption-desorption cycling indicated that the sorbents maintained stable CO2 adsorption capacity after 4 cycles, indicating potential for regeneration of the adsorbents. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.