Spent Fluid Catalytic Cracking Research Articles

The impact of spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst on the selected mechanical and physical performances of cement mortars

This paper presents the results of research aimed for evaluating the impact of applicability of spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst as a substitute of 20, 40, 60 and 80% of cement, by mass, in cement mortars on their selected mechanical and physical performances. It was demonstrated that substitution of 20% of cement mass with spent catalyst enhanced mortar’s compressive strength for 16.7%. Further addition of spent catalyst tended to decrease strength, whilst, simultaneously, rose the values of capillary absorption and water absorptivity because of deterioration of cement matrix structure, documented by SEM photos. Based on the research and literature data, it was proved that spent cracking catalyst might be a promising additive to cement in the amount not exceeding 40% of its mass considering its pozzolanicity

Co-pyrolysis of refinery oil sludge with biomass and spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst for resource recovery.

Catalytic co-pyrolysis of two different refinery oily sludge (ROS) samples was conducted to facilitate resource recovery. Non-catalytic pyrolysis in temperatures ranging from 500 to 600°C was performed to determine high oil yields. Higher temperatures enhanced the oil yields up to ~ 24 wt%, while char formation remained unchanged (~ 45%) for S1. Conversely, S2 exhibited a notably lower oil yield (~ 4 wt%) than S1. Pyrolysis oil of S1 consisted of phenolics (~ 50% at 600°C) whereas hydrocarbons were predominant in S2 oil (~ 80% at 600°C). Catalytic pyrolysis of S1 did not exhibit a substantial impact on oil yields but the oil composition varied significantly. High hydrocarbons, phenolics, and aromatics were obtained with molecular sieve (MS), metal slag, and ZSM-5, respectively. Catalytic co-pyrolysis of S2 with sawdust (SD) in the presence of MS enhanced the oil yield, and the resulting oil consisted of high hydrocarbons (~ 54%) and aromatics (~ 44%).

PP upcycling employing FCC spent catalyst: The role of contaminants, atmosphere and pressure

Innovative and sustainable approaches are being pursued to convert plastic waste into high-value fuels, particularly without using noble metal catalysts or external hydrogen sources. In this scenario, we explored the utilization of a spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst (ECAT), aiming to enhance the yield and quality of products through catalytic cracking of Polypropylene (PP) under different reaction conditions. Under a 20 bar H2 atmosphere, ECAT efficiently cracked PP into alkanes (71.6 %) and aromatics (25.5 %), with minimal alkenes (2.2 %) production. Similarly, under a 20 bar N2 atmosphere, ECAT achieved comparable conversion levels, producing mainly saturated hydrocarbons, which was intriguing. However, tests conducted at 1 bar N2 pressure showed that PP conversion remains unaffected but presents higher olefins’ yield and lower aromatics than ECAT. Thus, pressure seems to favor aromatization and in situ hydrogen transfer. By comparing the performance of ECAT with commercial CBV 712 zeolite, we propose that PP acts as an internal hydrogen source, eliminating the need for external supply improving efficiency and selectivity. Interestingly, mechanistic insights suggested that dehydroaromatization and hydrogen transfer within zeolite pores were dominant, and pressure (H2 or N2) could have helped it. In addition, contrary to previous studies that claim that metal contaminants in ECAT are essential for the hydrogenation process, our findings suggest that for this particular ECAT composition, we do not observe any boost in alkane yield due to the presence of these metals. Hence, our study comprehensively evaluates different strategies that can be employed to promote PP upcycling promoted by ECAT.

Synthesis of customized zeolite X with outstanding CO2 selectivity over CH4 and N2 using facile activated spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts

Efficient separation of CO2 from natural gas mixtures (CO2/CH4) and flue gas (CO2/N2) is pivotal for effective carbon capture and sequestration. Utilizing adsorbents derived from solid waste provides additional benefit for the carbon capture industry. This study introduces a convenient activation method at 200 °C for SFCC. Utilizing the activated SFCC as raw material under mild hydrothermal conditions, highly crystalline zeolite X (referred to as SFCC-X-200) of commercial quality with exceptional CO2 separation ability from CH4 and N2 is obtained. The static water adsorption rate of SFCC-X-200 meets the requirements of the national standard for commercial zeolite X (GB6287-86). Moreover, the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) selectivity of SFCC-X-200 for CO2 from CO2/N2 (15/85, v/v) and CO2/CH4 (50/50, v/v) mixtures is significantly higher, at 797 and 199, respectively, compared to commercial X zeolite. SFCC-X-200 demonstrates tremendous potential for separating CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 mixtures due to its outstanding adsorption capacity and selectivity, rapid attainment of adsorption equilibrium, complete desorption at ambient temperature, and extremely low cost.

The possibility of partial substitution of cement in cement mortars with the use of spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst from polish oil refinery: mechanical performances and impact of the addition of superplasticizer

This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of spent catalytic cracking catalyst derived from polish oil refinery used as a partial replacement of cement (in the amount of 20, 40, 60 and 80% of cement mass) in the binder on the mechanical strength of cement mortars, prepared without and with superplasticizer. It was shown that the replacement of 20% of cement, by mass, with spent catalyst increased the compressive strength of mortars without and with superplasticizer dosage by 16.7% and 24.4%, respectively, and did not deteriorate the flexural strength of samples prepared with superplasticizer. With the increasing amount of spent catalyst (above 40% by weight of cement), a decrease in the strength of mortars was observed. This indicates that spent catalyst from catalytic cracking might be a promising material as a binder replacement in cementitious composites when used in smaller amounts (less than 40%).

IMPACT OF ALUMINOSILICATE WASTES ON THE HYDRATION, PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT PASTE

The impact of aluminosilicate wastes (spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst from oil companies and metakaolin containing waste from the production of expanded glass granules) on the hydration and compressive strength of the cement paste was analysed when a proportion of cement was replaced by one waste material or two waste materials. The article presents results of X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis of hardened cement pastes. It was determined that the spent catalytic cracking catalyst accelerates cement hydration because of its high surface area and pozzolanic activity; and metakaolin containing waste has a retarding effect. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis showed that the specimens with metakaolin containing waste had the lowest amount of portlandite, and the compressive strength of these specimens was similar to that of the control specimens when a superplasticizer was used. It was found that a mix of aluminosilicate wastes has a different effect on cement hydration and makes it possible to adjust the hydration time of the binder within a certain interval.

IMPACT OF ALUMINOSILICATE WASTES ON THE HYDRATION, PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT PASTE

The impact of aluminosilicate wastes (spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst from oil companies and metakaolin containing waste from the production of expanded glass granules) on the hydration and compressive strength of the cement paste was analysed when a proportion of cement was replaced by one waste material or two waste materials. The article presents results of X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis of hardened cement pastes. It was determined that the spent catalytic cracking catalyst accelerates cement hydration because of its high surface area and pozzolanic activity; and metakaolin containing waste has a retarding effect. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis showed that the specimens with metakaolin containing waste had the lowest amount of portlandite, and the compressive strength of these specimens was similar to that of the control specimens when a superplasticizer was used. It was found that a mix of aluminosilicate wastes has a different effect on cement hydration and makes it possible to adjust the hydration time of the binder within a certain interval.

Mild activation of spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts for the pilot synthesis of zeolite a with commercial quality and excellent Co2+ removal ability

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) plays a pivotal role in the transformation of crude oil into fuels and bulk chemicals, crucial within petroleum refining. However, it also generates a substantial volume of hazardous spent FCC catalysts. Thus, developing an effective method to convert these hazardous spent catalysts into high-value products is essential for the sustainable advancement of the petrochemical industry. In this study, we introduce a simple, mild, and environmentally friendly activation approach for spent FCC catalysts, followed by a straightforward synthesis of zeolite A meeting commercial standards. The resulting zeolite A (referred to as SFCC-A) exhibited high crystallinity, exceptional selectivity, and efficient Co2+ removal capabilities from wastewater. Even at a solid/liquid ratio of 1/1000 g·mL−1, a removal efficiency of approximately 99 % was achieved. SFCC-A demonstrated a high adsorption capacity (180.5 mg·g−1) for Co2+ and a broad operational pH range (4–8). Furthermore, the pilot synthesis was successfully scaled up to 100 L, maintaining consistent product performance compared to lab-scale production. Additionally, we investigated the evolution of species during the activation of spent FCC catalysts using multiple characterization techniques, elucidated the phase diagram of SFCC-A and the crystallization process under optimal conditions. The combination of a simple, mild, and eco-friendly activation method with a convenient synthesis process, yielding high-value zeolite A products, transforms spent FCC catalysts into valuable resources rather than hazards.

Use of spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC) in Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) systems: Studies in pastes and mortars

This study evaluates the substitution of calcined clay for a waste from the petrochemical industry, spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC), as a source of reactive aluminosilicates in Limestone Calcined Clay Cements (LC3) systems. Three carbonate types were used to make cement-type LC3: a high-purity calcium carbonate, waste from the marble industry, and another from a dolomite soil source. LC3 blends were prepared by mixing 50 wt% OPC, 5 wt% calcium sulfate dihydrate, 30 wt% FCC and 15 wt% from each carbonate source. A mixture than substituting the carbonate source for a siliceous source was prepared to analyse the influence of carbonate phases in LC3 systems. The hydration process of the LC3 blends was studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses, isothermal calorimetry and FESEM. Mechanical properties were studied by measuring compressive strength at 7, 28 and 90 days. The obtained results corroborated that the mortars prepared with LC3 cements using the FCC obtained higher compressive strength than the control mortar prepared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at 28 and 90 curing days. It has been demonstrated that FCC is a by-product that can substitute calcined clay, and the different sources of carbonates such as high purity, waste or contaminated with magnesium do not interfere with the performance of this type of cement.

In vitro assessment of cytotoxicity of spent fluid catalytic cracking refinery catalysts on cell lines and identification of critical toxic metals

The Purpose of the present study was to quantify the responses of ten cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, HEK293, MDA-MB-231, A498, A549, A357, 3 T3, BALB-C3 T3, and NIH-3 T3) to spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (SFCCCs) from different petroleum refineries, and relate these responses to metal concentrations of SFCCC leachates (SFCCCLs). Cytotoxicity of SFCCCs were significantly different depending on cell lines. A357 and 3 T3 cell were the most sensitive, and A498 and HeLa cells were the least sensitive. HEK293 cells showed the least fluctuation in toxic response to different SFCCCLs among all cells. Cytotoxic IC50 values of SFCCCs to 7 kinds of cells were the most correlated with vanadium (V) concentration in SFCCCLs. V is the most critical toxic factor of SFCCC. Glutathione synthesis was induced in HepG2 cells exposed to higher concentrations of SFCCCLs. SFCCCLs with low concentration of V can induce the decrease of GSH/GSSG ratio in HepG2 cells, suggesting that high concentration of V inhibits the detoxification of glutathione.

A Study on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Portland Cement Incorporating Aluminosilicate Waste.

The influence of aluminosilicate pozzolanic waste, specifically spent fluid catalytic cracking waste (FCCW) and metakaolin waste (MK) from the expanded glass industry, on the properties of hardened Portland cement paste were analysed. The study involved replacing part of cement with FCCW and MK and observing their impact on the hydration, microstructure, density, and compressive strength of hardened cement paste. Various analysis methods were employed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to understand the changes in the structure of the hardened cement paste during hydration. The findings revealed that FCCW tends to accelerate the cement hydration process due to its high surface area and pozzolanic activity. Notably, the formation of portlandite crystals was observed on FCCW particle surfaces in a specific direction. These crystals appeared smaller and developed in different directions in compositions containing a composite binder with mixture of FCCW and MK in a ratio 1:1. This could be influenced by pozzolanic reactions activated by fine particles of MK and the formation of calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and calcium alumino silicate hydrates (C-A-S-H) in the presence of portlandite. The XRD and TG results indicated that the specimens containing a composite binder exhibited the least amount of portlandite. The compressive strength of these specimens increased compared to the control specimens, although the amount of cement was 9% lower.

Biodiesel synthesis using spent FCC catalyst and CaO from a mixture of sunflower oil and oleic acid

A physical mixture of two heterogeneous catalysts, calcium oxide (CaO) and spent fluid catalytic cracking (SFCC) catalyst, was used to produce biodiesel from a mixture of refined sunflower oil (RSFO) and 5 wt% oleic acid. The reaction was performed with a 6: 1 M ratio of methanol to oil at 65 °C and 3 wt% catalyst loading. The SFCC catalyst loading was also varied to investigate its effect on soap formation and biodiesel production. The presence of the SFCC catalyst reduced the reaction time from 14 h to 7 h to achieve conversion >99 %. It also decreased the soap formation compared with the reaction catalyzed by CaO alone. The lowest oleic acid conversion to soap (~20%) was obtained for CaO + 20 % SFCC case. Calcium diglyceroxide (CaD) was also tested as a catalyst – it further reduced the reaction time to 1 h for 99 % conversion.

Bioleaching of metals from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst using adapted Acidithiobacillus caldus.

In this study, an adapted bioleaching strain of Acidithiobacillus caldus UVS10 was successfully developed. Batch tests and tests in bioreactor were conducted to evaluate the metals bioleaching performance of A. caldus UVS10 to spent FCC catalyst (SFCCC). Results of batch experiments showed the bioleaching efficiency of Ni, V, La, and Ce in SFCCC reached 19.40%, 22.06%, 53.75%, and 59.56%, respectively. High SFCCC pulp density inhibited the leaching of metals. Sb leaching was inhibited in acidic environment caused by A. caldus UVS10. Contents of Ni, V, La, and Ce in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were significantly higher than those intracellular. Accumulation of metal in EPS and cytosol increased with the increase of SFCCC pulp density. V was less intercepted by EPS than Ni, La, and Ce, because of lower toxicity. Experimental results in bioreactor showed that Ni, V, La, and Ce could be effectively leached by A. caldus UVS10 under 10% pulp density. The aeration and stirring operating environment in bioreactor improved the leaching efficiency of metals in SFCCC. After bioleached in bioreactor, the available fraction content of four metals in SFCCC decreased significantly. Ecological risk analysis demonstrated the environmental risks of bioleached SFCCC were significantly lower than raw SFCCC. Different reaction kinetic models were used to represent metals leaching behavior under bioleaching of A. caldus UVS10, leaching of La and Ce showed good agreement with the product layer diffusion model, while Ni and V leaching kinetics fit well with the surface chemical reaction models.

Improving catalytic performance of Cu-SSZ-13 for NOx abatement via in-situ introduction of La and Ce from spent catalyst

Designing a cost-effective and fast fabrication Cu-SSZ-13 with improved selective catalytic reduction of NO by ammonia (NH3-SCR) performance remains an open question. Here we report that LaCe-SSZ-13 zeolites were synthesized from spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst within 12 h. After ion-exchanging with CuSO4 solution, the obtained LaCeCu-SSZ-13 catalysts exhibit significantly higher catalytic activity and hydrothermal stability than conventional Cu-SSZ-13. Various characterizations reveal that La and Ce modification not only facilitates the disperse of isolated Cu2+ species, but also effectively mitigates dealumination and inhibits copper species aggregation after hydrothermal aging. In-situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectrum analyses demonstrate that La and Ce modification can accelerate the adsorption capacity for NH3 and NOx and promote the decomposition of NH4NO3 intermediate species on the catalyst, benefiting the improvement of low-temperature activity. The combination of experiments and theoretical calculations further demonstrate that the most stable positions of La and Ce are on different eight-membered rings in SSZ-13, and then Cu2+ ions tend to enter eight-membered rings to enhance the NH3 adsorption capacity and decrease the H2O adsorption capacity, which results in higher low-temperature activity and hydrothermal stability than Cu-SSZ-13. Our work provides a feasible strategy for preparing the efficient rare-earth-modified Cu-zeolite based NH3-SCR catalyst for nitrogen oxide abatement.

Home Trash Biomass Valorization by Catalytic Pyrolysis

With the increase in population, large amounts of food waste are produced worldwide every day. These leftovers can be used as a source of lignocellulosic waste, oils, and polysaccharides for renewable fuels. In a fixed bed reactor, low-temperature catalytic pyrolysis was investigated using biomass gathered from domestic garbage. Thermogravimetry, under N2 flow, was used to assess the pyrolysis behavior of tea and coffee grounds, white potato, sweet potato, banana peels, walnut, almonds, and hazelnut shells. A mixture of biomass was also evaluated by thermogravimetry. Waste inorganic materials (marble, limestone, dolomite, bauxite, and spent Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalyst) were used as catalysts (16.7% wt.) in the pyrolysis studies at 400 °C in a fixed bed reactor. Yields of bio-oil in the 22–36% wt. range were attained. All of the catalysts promoted gasification and a decrease in the bio-oil carboxylic acids content. The marble dust catalyst increased the bio-oil volatility. The results show that it is possible to valorize lignocellulosic household waste by pyrolysis using inorganic waste materials as catalysts.

Thermodynamic modelling of cements clinkering process as a tool for optimising the proportioning of raw meals containing alternative materials

The valorisation of waste or by-products in Portland clinker production is a promising alternative for developing sustainable cements. The complexity of the chemical reactions during clinkering demands an adequate dosing method that considers the effect of feedstock impurities to maximise the potential substitution of natural resources by waste or by-products, while guaranteeing the clinker reactivity requirements. This study proposes a raw meal proportioning methodology for optimising co-processing of natural feedstocks with alternative raw materials in clinker production, intending to reduce the content of natural raw materials needed, while promoting an optimal clinker reactivity. A thermodynamic modelling sequence was developed considering the variability of raw materials composition and heating temperatures. The model was then validated by comparing simulation outcomes with results reported in previous studies. An experimental case study was conducted for validation of the proposed method using a spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (SFCC), a by-product from the oil industry as an alternative alumina source during clinkering. The modelling simulations indicated that substitution of natural feedstocks by 15 wt% SFCC promotes the formation of reactive clinkers with more than 54% tricalcium silicate (C3S). Mixes with the potential to form the highest C3S were then produced, and heating microscopy fusibility testing was applied for evaluating the clinkers’ stability. The main factors governing the reactivity and stability of the clinker phases were the melt phase content, alumina modulus, and formation of C3S and dicalcium silicate (C2S). The self-pulverisation of clinker during cooling was observed in selected mixes, and it is potentially associated with high viscosity and low Fe content in the melt phase. The proposed framework enables optimisation of the dosing of raw meals containing alternative alumina-rich feedstocks for clinker production and allows a deeper interpretation of limited sets of empirical data.

Reusing spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment applications

Spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst is a waste from oil industry generated in very high amounts globally, being a major environmental burden as it is mostly landfilled. The direct use of this waste in wastewater treatment applications is rare, and the present study aims to fill the existing research gap. This is the first systematic investigation regarding the use of spent FCC catalyst as adsorbent material, for extracting methylene blue (MB) (pollutant model molecule) from wastewater.The effects of contact time (5 min–48 h), adsorbent dosage (0.5–3 g/L), adsorbate concentration (5–400 mg/L), and the reaction kinetics, were investigated. MB concentrations above 200 mg/L achieved a maximum uptake of 90.8 mg/g after 48 h. For MB concentrations below 10 mg/L, very fast dye removal was observed, reaching 100% after 1 h. The adsorption of MB followed a pseudo-second-order model (chemisorption), and the Langmuir model better described the experimental data (monolayer adsorption). The novel strategy here reported is aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals – 6, 9, 12 and 13 – and with the concept of the Circular Economy, and these results might add value to industrial waste whose availability is still expected to grow substantially soon.

G-C3N4/TiO2 for gas-phase formaldehyde photodegradation under visible light in the humidity control coatings

BackgroundsThe control of relative humidity and degradation of volatile organic compounds are regarded as major considerations in the enhancement of living quality in the indoor environment. From the viewpoints of circular economy, the valorization of inorganic wastes to prepare green building materials is crucial. MethodsFor the practical applications, the multifunctional coatings, applied in the indoor humidity control and photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde, are prepared by recovering inorganic wastes (i.e., white carbon (WC) and spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (sFCCC)) and photocatalysts (graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2, denoted as GCN/TiO2) via a simple sol-gel method. Various physicochemical and analytic tools are used to characterize the coating properties and performance. Significant findingsCompared to commercial coatings, the prepared multifunctional coatings (i.e., W/B/S-47/47/6, where W, B and S represent the weight percentage (%) of white carbon, bassanite and sFCCC, respectively) have superior textural properties which can improve the buffering ability of indoor humidity. Moreover, the W/B/S-47/47/6 coatings exhibit the surpassing photodegradation of formaldehyde over commercial coatings by ca. 3 times. The higher charge transfer kinetics and greater thermodynamic driving force toward superoxide radical formation are responsible for the improved photocatalytic activity of W/B/S-47/47/6 coatings. According to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure tests, no evident leaching heavy metals are observed, which provides an environmental-friendly and economical route for valorization of inorganic wastes.

Silica wastes derived multifunctional coatings for formaldehyde photodegradation and autonomous indoor humidity buffering

To maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment without large amounts of energy consumption is of great importance. The progress of multifunctional indoor coatings with formaldehyde photodegradation and humidity buffering capability is necessary. From the viewpoints of circular economy, the preparation of effective photocatalysts (denoted as sFCC/GCN-x and ESF/GCN-y) via the decoration of recycling industrial wastes (i.e., spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (sFCC) and enhancement silica fume (ESF)) onto graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) by using a simple route is reported. The obtained results show that the prepared sFCC/GCN-0.15 and ESF/GCN-0.15 photocatalysts have the rate constants of formaldehyde degradation of 0.0075 and 0.0082 min−1, respectively, which are superior to that of pristine GCN (0.0044 min−1) under visible-light irradiation. The enhanced transfer kinetics of photogenerated electrons and declined recombination of electron-hole pairs may account for the surpassing photocatalytic performance. Results obtained from electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and Mott-Schottky plots indicate that the formation of ･O2− via the reaction of O2 with electrons generated on the conduction band is the major reaction pathway to photodegrade formaldehyde under visible light. To further assess the real applications of prepared photocatalysts, the sFCC/GCN-0.15 and ESF/GCN-0.15 are used to fabricate the multifunctional coatings (denoted as s- and E-coatings) with sFCC and ESF as the main compositions. Experimentally, the E-coatings could reach the formaldehyde degradation efficiency of ca. 84.5% after 3 h of visible light irradiation and excellent humidity buffering ability (293.8 g m−2) which is at least 10-folds higher than commercial coatings (28.9 g m−2). This notable progress of humidity buffering capacity on E-coatings can be attributed to their surface textural properties. Most importantly, this study exemplifies the valorization of inorganic silica wastes to produce sustainable and multifunctional coatings which may offer the practical and cost-effective applications in the indoor living space.

Spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst derived MCM-41 supported polyethylenimine for post-combustion CO2 capture

The buildup of solid waste as well as the global warming has become one of the major challenges. CO2 capture with solid amine synthesized from solid waste can not only address the issue of large CO2 emissions, but also achieve efficient utilization of solid waste. In this work, spent fluid catalytic cracking catalysts (sFCCc), a type of major wastes in petrochemical industries, are first utilized to synthesize polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized ordered mesoporous materials. The as-obtained MCM-41-PEI from sFCCc exhibits an acceptable equilibrium CO2 capacity (qe) of 2.7 mmol/g in simulated flue gases (10 % CO2/N2) at 65 °C, which is higher than one prepared with commercial silicon source. Moreover, the adsorbent displays excellent cyclic stability during 50 TSA cycles in the dry simulated flue gases, where the capacity decreases only by 4.9 %. Additionally, the breakthrough capacity (qb) is significantly improved from 0.6 mmol/g to 1.6 mmol/g under humid conditions (35 °C, 10 % CO2/N2). Interestingly, we discover that the optimal adsorption temperature of MCM-41-PEI with different PEI loadings shifted due to the distinct PEI distribution behavior within the pores. The Avrami model provides a reliable interpretation for the CO2 adsorption behavior of MCM-41-PEI at various test conditions. The synthetic strategy here provides a new route in the treatment of excessive sFCCc resources to achieve valuable adsorbents, which can be applied to dilute source CO2 capture processes.