BACKGROUND
There has been an increased demand in recent years for CO2 capture and storage technologies, due to the well-known shifting towards a net-zero emissions world. CO2 adsorption materials have gained popularity as an economical capture strategy in large-scale development. Conventional materials such as activated carbon, organic polymers, zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are limited, as they are susceptible to corrosion and use toxic reagents.
Aerogels are advantageous over conventional materials due to their mechanical properties, low density, and large surface area, allowing for efficient CO2 adsorption. This innovative approach offers additional advantages, including enhanced adsorption capacity, improved kinetics, and potential for regeneration and reusability. By optimizing the composition and structure of composite aerogels, researchers aim to develop cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for carbon capture and storage, contributing to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change challenges in industrial processes.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Industrial Carbon Capture Systems
- Greenhouse Gas Removal from Ambient Air
- Portable Carbon Capture Devices
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- Excellent CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.94 mmol g-1 and a selectivity of 65.2 over 20 regeneration cycles.
- Exceptional high thermal (above 200°C) and water stability (RH>99%).
- Increased energy savings and rapid regeneration times due to the aerogel’s high electrical conductivity (18.4 ± 0.2 S m−1).
- Long-term reliability and durability ensured by its excellent mechanical properties, including compression strength, flexibility, and ability to stand independently.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
- Lead researcher: Giovanniantonio Natale
- Lab website: Complex Fluids Lab
- Journal Publications: Sustainable CO2 adsorbent via amine–phosphate coupling of glycated chitosan and electrochemically exfoliated graphene