Sequestration of CO2 using Cu nanoparticles supported on spherical and rod-shape mesoporous silica

Abstract EN

The CO2 sequestration is one of the most promising solutions to tackle global warming.

In this study, spherical mesoporous silica particles (MPS-S) and rod-shaped mesoporous silica particles (MPS-R) loaded with Cu nanoparticles were selectively prepared and employed for CO2 adsorption.

For the first time uniform Cu nanoparticles were incorporated into the rod-shaped mesoporous silica particles by post-synthesis modification using both N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)pro pyl]ethylenediamine (PEDA) and ethylenediamine (EDA) as coupling agents.

The physiochemical properties of the mesoporous and copper grifted silica composites were investigated by CHN elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), surface area analysis, scanning, transmission electron microscopy and gas analysis system (GSD 320, TERMO).

The mesoporous silica shows highly ordered mesoporous structures, with the rod-shaped particles having a higher surface area than the spherical ones.

Copper nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.0 nm were uniformly incorporated into the MPS-S and MPS-R.

Moreover, Cu-loaded mesoporous silica exhibits up to 40% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than the bare MPS.

The MPS-R modified with Cu nanoparticles showed a maximum CO2 adsorption capacity of 0.62 mmol/g and the humidity showed a slight negative effect on CO2 uptake process.

The enhancement of CO2 adsorption onto transition metal/mesoporous substrates provides basis for imminent CO2 sequestration