CO2 capture by amine-modified materials, tailored for enhanced adsorption capacity and selectivity

We have modified zeolite Na-Y (Si/Al = 2.55) with triethylenetetramine (TETA), using a wet - impregnation method, with the aim of synthesising a hybrid material with enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and selectivity, in the presence of water vapour. The dynamic adsorption capacity of CO2 on NaY-TETA, prepared with varying loadings of amine, was examined. Following modification, the surface properties of the adsorbent were changed, as evident by examining the adsorption and desorption isotherms of CO2 from wet gas streams. The modified materials display excellent CO2 uptake under humid conditions. A mechanism describing the interaction of CO2 on the surface suggests a transformation from a mainly physical to chemical bonding due to modification of the surface functional groups on TETA. In addition, multicyclic use of NaY-TETA suggests that it could be an ideal sorbent for CO2 capture from flue gases