Epoxide-Functionalization of Grafted Tetraethylenepentamine on Framework of Acrylate Copolymer as CO2 Sorbent with Long Cycle Stability

Adsorptive capture of CO2 using amine-based adsorbents is a promising strategy for reducing energy penalty, while the stability of solid amines remains the most critical challenge. In this work, we propose a novel methodology to significantly extent the stability of CO2 adsorbent. By copolymerizing water-in-oil emulsion containing multiple acrylates with rich epoxide groups, we synthesize the porous beads with hydrophobic and robust framework to ensure long-term thermal and hydrothermal stability. We then graft tetraethylenepentamine on the framework via ring-opening reaction between epoxide and amine groups to resist amine leaching and oxidation. Finally, we convert most remaining primary amines and some secondary amines of the grafted tetraethylenepentamine to secondary and tertiary ones through epoxide-functionalization to prevent urea formation and sulfur poisoning. With a nitrogen content of 10.0 mmol∙g-1, the adsorbent achieves 2.03 mmol∙g-1 CO2 uptake at 60 °C and maintains constant when exposed to...