CO2 adsorption–desorption performance of mesoporous zirconium hydroxide with robust water durability

Abstract

The present study demonstrates for the first time, the development of mesoporous zirconium hydroxide with high CO₂ capacity and sustainable adsorption–desorption performance within a broad range of pressures (100–3000 kPa). Mesoporous zirconium hydroxide with a high surface area of ∼400 m² g⁻¹ was prepared by a simple and easy-to-handle precipitation route. The prepared high surface area mesoporous zirconium hydroxide exhibited significantly higher CO₂ adsorption uptake and working adsorption capacity on a volumetric basis within a wide range of operating pressures of 100–3000 kPa than commercially available zeolite 13X. Reversible CO₂ desorption was easily achieved by a pressure swing at moderate temperatures (298.15 K). Additionally, the prepared mesoporous zirconium hydroxide was adequately stable and strong to effectuate CO₂ capture over multiple adsorption–desorption cycles without major reductions in its CO₂ adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the effect of co-adsorbed water on the CO₂ adsorption properties of mesoporous zirconium hydroxide was investigated. In the presence of co-adsorbed water, mesoporous zirconium hydroxide displayed reversible CO₂ adsorption–desorption behavior in contrast to zeolite 13X that exhibited negligible CO₂ adsorption within the wide range of pressures examined. The present study demonstrates the potential of high surface area mesoporous zirconium hydroxide toward efficient CO₂ capturing processes.