Highlighting the Anti-Synergy between Adsorption and Diffusion in Cation-Exchanged Faujasite Zeolites.

Abstract

Using configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations of adsorption equilibrium and molecular dynamics simulations of guest diffusivities of CO2, CH4, N2, and O2 in FAU zeolites with varying amounts of extra-framework cations (Na+ or Li+), we demonstrate that adsorption and diffusion do not, in general, proceed hand-in-hand. Stronger adsorption often implies reduced mobility. The anti-synergy between adsorption and diffusion has consequences for the design and development of pressure-swing adsorption and membrane separation technologies for CO2 capture and N2/O2 separations.