Preparation of triethylenetetramine‐modified zirconosilicate molecular sieve for carbon dioxide adsorption

Mesoporous molecular sieve Zr‐MCM‐41 was modified with triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tested for carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) adsorption for the first time. The adsorbent was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, N 2 adsorption‐desorption, energy dispersive spectrometer, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and temperature‐programmed desorption of CO 2 and NH 3 . A maximum CO 2 adsorption capacity of 3.36 mmol g −1 at 50°C in a stream of 5% CO 2 concentration was obtained, which is 2.7 times that of TETA‐functionalized MCM‐41. The TETA‐modified Zr‐MCM‐41 is 30°C higher than the TETA‐modified MCM‐41 in terms of thermal stability. We find that the former adsorbent is superior in reusability. It is envisaged that the adsorbent is applicable in CO 2 capture. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1814–1821, 2015