Facile Synthesis of Polyethylenimine and Nano-TiO2 Particles Functionalized PolyHIPE Beads for CO2 Capture

Polyethylenimine (PEI) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) functionalized polyHIPE beads were synthesized by suspension polymerization of styrene/divinylbenzene high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) containing PEI and nano-TiO2 particles in inner phase. The products are uniform and spherical beads with average diameter of 1 mm. Characterization results showed good thermal stability and desired mechanical strength. CO2 adsorption tests were performed with CO2/H2O/N-2 (1 : 1 : 8) gas mixture. Nano-TiO2 particles distinctly improved the CO2 adsorption performance of the polyHIPE beads, resulting in enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and fast adsorption/desorption kinetics. Besides, the functionalized polyHIPE beads exhibited remarkable cycle stability.