Amine-functionalized micron-porous polymer foams with high CO2 adsorption efficiency and exceptional stability in PSA process

Abstract

• The micron-pore PP/POE foam was prepared with high porosity and toughness. • The encapsulated PEHA was in-depth epoxide-functionalized and crosslinked. • Mild PSA technology was used for CO 2 capture to maintain exceptional stability. • High capture efficiency was achieved by extraordinary high amine loading. • Low-cost and low energy penalty promise its application in a large scale. The advantages and disadvantages of amine-based materials for adsorptive CO 2 capture have been well addressed so far. In order to maintain their high adsorption efficiency and long-term stability in treatment of complex flue gas, here we selected linear pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) with in-depth epoxide functionalization to inhibit O 2 , CO 2 , and SO 2 induced deactivation. We enveloped the functionalized PEHA into the hydrophobic polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer open-cell foams via epoxy resin crosslinking to prevent amine leaching and reduce water adsorption. Using the phase inversion and the supercritical CO 2 foaming technologies, we controlled the cells with micron sizes and 88% porosity. The loss of adsorption capacity due to amine conversion has been successfully compensated by improving the loading ratio up to 65 wt%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest loading among amine-functionalized materials. Coupled with the PSA process, the stability of PEHA has been extended to the maximum extent in the prerequisite of ensuring high CO 2 adsorption efficiency.