Carbon nanotube modified carbon composite monoliths as superior adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture

Carbon composite monoliths were prepared from a commercial phenolic resin mixed with just 1 wt% of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) followed by carbonization and physical activation with CO2. The products possess a hierarchical macroporous-microporous structure and superior CO2 adsorption properties. In particular, they show the top-ranked CO2 capacity (52 mg CO2 per g adsorbent at 25 degrees C and 114 mmHg) under low CO2 partial pressures, which is of more relevance for flue gas applications. This matches or exceeds those of carbons produced by complex chemical activation and functionalization. Our study demonstrates an effective way to create narrow micropores through structural modification of carbon composites by CNTs.