Interfacial control of polyHIPE with nano-TiO2 particles and polyethylenimine toward actual application in CO2 capture

Abstract

Hybrid macroporous adsorbent was synthesized for CO2 capture, where polyethylenimine (PEI)-enveloped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) as well as Span 80 act as a co-emulsifier in the preparation of styrene/divinylbenzene high internal phase emulsion (HIPE). By means of interfacial control in one-step polymerization, the terminals of most PEI chains were embedded into the polymer matrix, and the PEI-enveloped nano-TiO2 particles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of macropores to form a nanoscale roughness. Compared with the conventionally impregnated PEI in PolyHIPE, more amine groups in the hybrid polyHIPE are exposed to CO2 molecules, and the leaching and volatilization of PEI have been effectively prevented through the embedding technology, resulting in high adsorption capacity, rapid adsorption/desorption rates, and long-cycle stability in a wide temperature range. On the other hand, the particle-formulated inorganic framework fascinates stress-strain strength and thermal conductivity to accomplish two important prerequisites for industrial application.