Triethylenetetramine-Modified P123-Occluded Zr-SBA-15 Molecular Sieve for CO₂ Adsorption

A pluronic 123 (P123)-occluded mesoporous molecular sieve Zr-SBA-15, Zr-SBA(P) was modified with triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tested for CO₂ adsorption. The synthesized materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption-desorption, dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmer desorption of CO₂, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of CO₂ adsorption show that the TETA and P123 species have positive effects on the CO2 adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, and the performance of the as-prepared adsorbent in a stream of low CO2 concentration is excellent. At 50wt-% TETA loading, Zr-SBA(P) has a maximum capacity of 4.27mmolg^-1 in a stream of 5% CO₂ at 50°C, ∼33.5% higher than the adsorbent prepared in the absence of P123. In addition, the adsorbent is superior in reusability. It is envisaged that the adsorbent will find wide application in CO₂ capture.