Carbon nanotube/PVA aerogels impregnated with PEI: solid adsorbents for CO2 capture

Abstract

A series of ultra-light aerogels made of oxidized carbon nanotubes and cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol has been prepared by freeze drying of hydrogels, characterised, and tested as amine impregnated solid supports for CO₂ capture. The prepared spongy aerogels have demonstrated mechanical, chemical and thermal stabilities, and are electrically conducting. Polyethyleneimine impregnated aerogels with an amine content of 75–83% demonstrated CO₂ capacity values ≥3.3 mmol g⁻¹ in a dilute gas stream, which makes the prepared aerogels highly promising supports for amine impregnation in carbon capture applications.