Synthesis of discrete SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets by solvent-free seed-assisted route for efficient CO2 capture

Abstract

Efficient CO2 capture from flue gas and natural gas is highly desirable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Discrete SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets are prepared by the solvent-free seed-assisted route for the first time to capture CO2. Synthesis parameters such as H2O/SiO2 ratio and synthesis time are optimized and the formation mechanism of the SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets is studied. The nanosheets have a thickness of 30 nm and an aspect ratio of 10. The HR-TEM characterization shows that the base face of the nanosheet corresponds to its (001) plane with a pore size of 3.8 Å × 3.8 Å. The CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities of SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets are as high as 1092 and 136 by Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory (IAST), respectively. Furthermore, breakthrough results indicate that SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets have great application potential for separating CO2 from flue gas and natural gas.