(204e) Functionalized Silica-Polymer Composite for CO2 Capture

Atmospheric CO₂ concentration has increased significantly in the last 50 years due to increased utilization of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel use is projected to peak in 2050 hence an effective means of controlling CO₂ emissions from coal burning power plants, vehicles and other emission sources are seriously in need.

Solid adsorbents for CO₂ capture presents an effective, less energy intensive method. Numerous solid adsorbents have been tailored and tested to determine an effective CO₂ capture material. This capture material must possess high CO₂ capture capacity, excellent adsorption-desorption kinetics and good stability.

This work involves the synthesis of polystyrene (core)-silica (shell) composites for use as carbon dioxide adsorbent. The polymer-silica composites may provide better column packing than nanoporous silica. Composites are known to enhance properties of polymers whilst utilizing the surface properties of the inorganic phase.  The incorporation of functional groups such as amines in both the organic and inorganic phases has shown improved CO₂ capture capacity.   Material properties such as surface area, pore size, functional group loading, particle size and CO₂ capture capacity of polymer-silica composites will be compared to those of nanoporous silica. CO₂ adsorption and desorption kinetics will also be compared.