Mesoporous amine-modified SiO2 aerogel: a potential CO2 sorbent

An amine-modified SiO2 aerogel (AMSA) was prepared using the sol–gel method and supercritical drying technology. CO2 adsorption tests were conducted under different conditions. High adsorption capacities were achieved in the presence of water vapor, with the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 6.97 mmol/g-sorbent at 25 °C. A novel adsorption mechanism associated with the CO2 sorption process is proposed. The test results indicate that AMSA is a promising CO2 adsorbent.