3D-hierarchical porous functionalized carbon aerogel from renewable cellulose: An innovative solid-amine adsorbent with high CO2 adsorption performance

A novel solid amine sorbent has been developed based on polyethylenimine (PEI)-grafted monolithic porous carbon aerogel supports for efficient removal of CO2 from industrial flue gas at 313K. The high pore volume, proper pore distribution and the interconnected 3D framework of monolithic porous carbon aerogel allow the easy dispersion of PEI and ensure the diffusion of CO2 in its pore structure. In addition, the monolithic porous structure can reduce the influence of the pressure difference of large fixed bed on the adsorption performance in industrial applications. More importantly, the reasonable design of pore effect and functionalized molecular configuration of PEI grafted cellulose based porous carbon aerogel (PEI-CPCa) guarantees the maximization of synergistic effect thus may achieve the efficient separation of CO2 from industrial flue gas. Results shows that the CO2 adsorption capacity of PEI-CPCa reached 5.58 mmol/g and the separation coefficient reached 113.1 at 313K for simulated gas consisting of CO2 (15 vol%) and N2 (85 vol%). Furthermore, the low energy consumption, excellent stability and water resistance of the PEI-CPCa make it possess great prospects and advantages in practical industrial applications. Comprehensively, this new functional carbon aerogel is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the adsorption and separation of CO2.