Monolithic carbon aerogels from bioresources and their application for CO2 adsorption

Monolithic binder-free CO2 adsorbents with high adsorption capacity, selectivity, adsorption-desorption kinetics, and regenerability are highly desired to both reduce the environmental impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and purify valuable gases from CO2. Herein, we report a strategy to prepare monolithic carbonaceous CO2 adsorbents from low-cost and underutilized bioresources, which enabled the formation of a delicate anisotropic, hierarchical porous structure. With optimized material composition and processing conditions, the biobased carbon adsorbent demonstrated a CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.49 mmol g(-1) at 298 K and 100 kPa, relatively weak adsorbent-adsorbate affinity, good CO2/N-2 selectivity, and advantageous hydrophobicity against water vapor. Moreover, the unique anisotropic porous structure provided high stiffness and good flexibility to the adsorbent in the axial and radial directions, respectively. We confirmed that this type of carbon adsorbent could be packed in a column for dynamic CO2 capture independent of any binders, indicating its promising future for further development toward widespread utilization.

Automated summary

CO2 adsorbents prepared from low-cost bioresources demonstrate high adsorption capacity, selectivity, and hydrophobicity, showing promising potential for widespread utilization.