Directing the Structural Features of N2-Phobic Nanoporous Covalent Organic Polymers for CO2Capture and Separation

Resembling Graphene/Polymer Aerogel Morphology for Advancing the CO2/N2 Selectivity of the Postcombustion CO2 Capture Process

The separation of CO2 from N2 remains a highly challenging task in postcombustion CO2 capture processes, primarily due to the relatively low CO2 content (3-15%) compared to that of N2 (70%). This challenge is particularly prominent for carbon-based adsorbents that exhibit relatively low selectivity. In this study, we present a successfully implemented strategy to enhance the selectivity of composite aerogels made of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and functionalized polymer particles. Considering that the CO2/N2 selectivity of the aerogels is affected on the one hand by the surface chemistry (offering more sites for CO2 capture) and fine-tuned microporosity (offering molecular sieve effect), both of these parameters were affected in situ during the synthesis process. The resulting aerogels exhibit improved CO2 adsorption capacity and a significant reduction in N2 adsorption at a temperature of 25 °C and 1 atm, leading to a more than 10-fold increase in selectivity compared to the reference material. This achievement represents the highest selectivity reported thus far for carbon-based adsorbents. Detailed characterization of the aerogel surfaces has revealed an increase in the quantity of surface oxygen functional groups, as well as an augmentation in the fractions of micropores (<2 nm) and small mesopores (<5 nm) as a result of the modified synthesis methodology. Additionally, it was found that the surface morphology of the aerogels has undergone important changes. The reference materials feature a surface rich in curved wrinkles with an approximate diameter of 100 nm, resulting in a selectivity range of 50-100. In contrast, the novel aerogels exhibit a higher degree of oxidation, rendering them stiffer and less elastic, resembling crumpled paper morphology. This transformation, along with the improved functionalization and augmented microporosity in the altered aerogels, has rendered the aerogels almost completely N2-phobic, with selectivity values ranging from 470 to 621. This finding provides experimental evidence for the theoretically predicted relationship between the elasticity of graphene-based adsorbents and their CO2/N2 selectivity performance. It introduces a new perspective on the issue of N2-phobicity. The outstanding performance achieved, including a CO2 adsorption capacity of nearly 2 mmol/g and the highest selectivity of 620, positions these composites as highly promising materials in the field of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) postcombustion technology.

Synthesis of aromatic polynitroso compounds: Towards functional azodioxy-linked porous polymers

The polymerization property of aromatic polynitroso compounds could be used to create azodioxy porous networks with possible application for the adsorption of CO2, the main greenhouse gas. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of new aromatic polynitroso compounds, with para-nitroso groups attached to the triphenylbenzene, triphenylpyridine, triphenyltriazine and triphenylamine moiety. The synthesis of the pyridine-based trinitroso compound was performed by reduction of the corresponding trinitro derivative to N-arylhydroxylamine followed by oxidation to the trinitroso product. For the synthesis of the benzene- and triazine-based trinitroso compounds, a novel synthetic strategy was implemented, which included cyclotrimerization of the 4-nitrosoacetophenone and 4-nitrosobenzonitrile, respectively. Reduction of the trinitro compound with triphenylamine unit produced the dinitroso product. In a solid state, all synthesized compounds form E-azodioxy oligomers or polymers. While azodioxy polymer with triphenylbenzene moiety is an amorphous solid, other azodioxy oligomers and polymers displayed sharp diffraction peaks pointing to their crystalline nature. A computational study indicated that eclipsed AA configurations are preferred over staggered AB and inclined AA' configurations. The serrated layers may be the most likely outcome when/if 2D layers form an organized polymer network of azodioxy linked triphenyltriazine-based building blocks.

Recent Progress in Azobenzene-Based Supramolecular Materials and Applications

Azobenzene-containing small molecules and polymers are functional photoswitchable molecules to form supramolecular nanomaterials for various applications. Recently, supramolecular nanomaterials have received enormous attention in material science because of their simple bottom-up synthesis approach, understandable mechanisms and structural features, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Azobenzene is a light-responsive functional moiety in the molecular design of small molecules and polymers and is used to switch the photophysical properties of supramolecular nanomaterials. Herein, we review the latest literature on supramolecular nano- and micro-materials formed from azobenzene-containing small molecules and polymers through the combinatorial effect of weak molecular interactions. Different classes including complex coacervates, host-guest systems, co-assembled, and self-assembled supramolecular materials, where azobenzene is an essential moiety in small molecules, and photophysical properties are discussed. Afterward, azobenzene-containing polymers-based supramolecular photoresponsive materials formed through the host-guest approach, polymerization-induced self-assembly, and post-polymerization assembly techniques are highlighted. In addition to this, the applications of photoswitchable supramolecular materials in pH sensing, and CO2 capture are presented. In the end, the conclusion and future perspective of azobenzene-based supramolecular materials for molecular assembly design, and applications are given.

Synthesis and Characterization of Benzene- and Triazine-Based Azo-Bridged Porous Organic Polymers

Porous organic polymers incorporating nitrogen-rich functionalities have recently emerged as promising materials for efficient and highly selective CO₂ capture and separation. Herein, we report synthesis and characterization of new two-dimensional (2D) benzene- and triazine-based azo-bridged porous organic polymers. Different synthetic approaches towards the porous azo-bridged polymers were tested, including reductive homocoupling of aromatic nitro monomers, oxidative homocoupling of aromatic amino monomers and heterocoupling of aromatic nitro monomers and a series of aromatic diamines of different lengths and rigidity. IR spectroscopy, ¹³C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments and computational study were used to characterize structures and properties of the resulting polymers. The synthesized azo-bridged polymers are all amorphous solids of good thermal stability, exhibiting various surface areas (up to 351 m² g^-1). The obtained results indicated that the synthetic methods and building units have a pronounced effect on the porosity of the final materials. Reductive and oxidative homocoupling of aromatic nitro and amino building units, respectively, lead to 2D azo-bridged polymers of substantially higher porosity when compared to those produced by heterocoupling reactions. Periodic DFT calculations and Grand-canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations suggested that, within the used approximations, linear linkers of different lengths do not significantly affect CO₂ adsorption properties of model azo-bridged polymers.

Porous organic polymers for CO2 capture, separation and conversion

Porous organic polymers (POPs) have long been considered as prime candidates for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, separation, and conversion. Especially their permanent porosity, structural tunability, stability and relatively low cost are key factors in such considerations. Whereas heteratom-rich microporous networks as well as their amine impregnation/functionalization have been actively exploited to boost the CO2 affinity of POPs, recently, the focus has shifted to engineering the pore environment, resulting in a new generation of highly microporous POPs rich in heteroatoms and featuring abundant catalytic sites for the capture and conversion of CO2 into value-added products. In this review, we aim to provide key insights into structure-property relationships governing the separation, capture and conversion of CO2 using POPs and highlight recent advances in the field.

Experimental and theoretical study of the effect of different functionalities of graphene oxide/polymer composites on selective CO2 capture

There is a constant need for versatile technologies to reduce the continuously increasing concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere, able to provide effective solutions under different conditions (temperature, pressure) and composition of the flue gas. In this work, a combination of graphene oxide (GO) and functionalized waterborne polymer particles was investigated, as versatile and promising candidates for CO₂ capture application, with the aim to develop an easily scalable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly CO₂ capture technology. There are huge possibilities of different functional monomers that can be selected to functionalize the polymer particles and to provide CO₂-philicity to the composite nanostructures. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions of these complex composite materials with CO₂ and N₂ molecules, and to build a basis for efficient screening for functional monomers. Estimation of the binding energy between CO₂ and a set of GO/polymer composites, comprising copolymers of methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and different functional monomers, shows that it depends strongly on the polymer functionalities. In some cases, there is a lack of cooperative effect of GO. It is explained by a remarkably strong GO-polymer binding, which induced less effective CO₂-polymer interactions. When compared with experimental results, in the cases when the nanocomposite structures presented similar textural properties, the same trends for selective CO₂ capture over N₂ were attained. Besides novel functional materials for CO₂ capture and a deeper understanding of the interactions between CO₂ molecules with various materials, this study additionally demonstrates that DFT calculations can be a shorter route toward the efficient selection of the best functionalization of the composite materials for selective CO₂ capture.

Determination of benzimidazoles in fruits by open-tubular capillary electrochromatography based on ionic liquids grafted covalent organic frameworks

A novel capillary electrochromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of ten benzimidazole fungicides in fruits. Herein, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and ionic liquids (ILs) were successfully introduced to prepare open-tubular capillary column to improve the loading capacity and separation performance. The parameters effecting the analytical performance including pH and concentration of running buffer, separation voltage and the addition of organic solvent were investigated systematically. Under the optimized conditions, the method allowed the baseline separation of ten benzimidazole fungicides, and showed a good linearity in the range of 3.5-200 μg kg^-1 with the detection limits between 1.0 and 2.8 μg kg^-1. The intraday and interday precisions for recoveries were lower than 7.9% and 12.2%, respectively. Intraday and interday precisions for their retention times were lower than 3.2% and 6.6%, respectively. Satisfactory recoveries for grape, pear and orange samples at two concentrations were obtained ranging from 85.0 to 95.9% with RSDs lower than 7.8%, demonstrating the potential applications of the open-tubular capillary electrochromatography method for trace benzimidazole fungicides analysis in fruits.

Azo-Linked Porous Organic Polymers for Selective Carbon Dioxide Capture and Metal Ion Removal

The facile and environmentally friendly synthesis of porous organic polymers with designed polar functionalities decorating the interior frameworks as an excellent adsorbent for selective carbon dioxide capture and metal ion removal is a target worth pursuing for environmental applications. In this regard, two azo-linked porous organic polymers denoted man-Azo-P1 and man-Azo-P2 were synthesized in water by the azo-linking of 4,4'-diaminobiphenyl (benzidine) and 4,4'-methylenedianiline, respectively, with 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene. The resulting polymers showed good BET surface areas of 290 and 78 m² g^-1 for man-Azo-P1 and man-Azo-P2, respectively. Due to the enriched core functionality of the azo (-N=N-) and hydroxyl groups along with the porous frameworks, man-Azo-P1 exhibited a good CO₂ uptake capacity of 32 cm³ g^-1 at 273 K and 1 bar, in addition to the remarkable removal of lead (Pd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and mercury (Hg) ions. This performance of the synthesized man-Azo-P1 and man-Azo-P2 in the dual application of CO₂ capture and heavy metal ion removal highlights the unique properties of azo-linked POPs as excellent and stable sorbent materials for the current challenging environmental applications.

Benzene and triazine-based porous organic polymers with azo, azoxy and azodioxy linkages: a computational study

Computational study of azoxy and azodioxy-based 2D layered structures revealed their potential for the selective binding of CO2 over N2.

Oxalamide-Functionalized Metal Organic Frameworks for CO2 Adsorption

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received great attention in recent years as potential adsorbents for CO₂ capture due to their unique properties. However, the high cost and their tedious synthesis procedures impede their industrial application. A series of new CO₂-philic oxalamide-functionalized MOFs have been solvothermally synthesized: {[Zn₃(μ₈-OATA)_1.5(H₂O)₂(DMF)]·5/2H₂O·5DMF}_n (Zn-OATA), {[NH₂(CH₃)₂][Cd(μ₄-HOATA)]·H₂O·DMF}_n (Cd-OATA), and {[Co₂(μ₇-OATA)(H₂O)(DMF)₂]·2H₂O·3DMF}_n (Co-OATA) (H₄OATA = N,N'-bis(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)oxalamide). In Zn-OATA, the [Zn₂(CO₂)₄] SBUs are connected by OATA^4- ligands into a 3D framework with 4-connected NbO topology. In Cd-OATA, two anionic frameworks with a dia topology interpenetrated each other to form a porous structure. In Co-OATA, [Co₂(CO₂)₄] units are linked by four OATA^4- to form a 3D framework with binodal 4,4-connected 4²·8⁴ PtS-type topology. Very interestingly, Cu-OATA can be prepared from Zn-OATA by a facile metal ions exchange procedure without damaging the structure while the CO₂ adsorption ability can be largely enhanced when Zn(II) metal ions are exchanged to Cu(II). These new MOFs possess channels decorated by the CO₂-philic oxalamide groups and accessible open metal sites, suitable for highly selective CO₂ adsorption. Cu-OATA exhibits a significant CO₂ adsorption capacity of 25.35 wt % (138.85 cm³/g) at 273 K and 9.84 wt % (50.08 cm³/g) at 298 K under 1 bar with isosteric heat of adsorption (Q_st) of about 25 kJ/mol. Cu-OATA presents a very high selectivity of 5.5 for CO₂/CH₄ and 43.8 for CO₂/N₂ separation at 0.1 bar, 298 K. Cd-OATA exhibits a CO₂ sorption isotherm with hysteresis that can be originated from structural rearrangements. Cd-OATA adsorbs CO₂ up to 11.90 wt % (60.58 cm³/g) at 273 K and 2.26 wt % (11.40 cm³/g) at 298 K under 1 bar. Moreover, these new MOFs exhibit high stability in various organic solvents, water, and acidic or basic media. The present work opens a new opportunity in the development of improved and cost-effective MOF adsorbents for highly efficient CO₂ capture.

Radiation-initiated high strength chitosan/lithium sulfonate double network hydrogel/aerogel with porosity and stability for efficient CO2 capture

Developing efficient and inexpensive CO₂ capture technologies is a significant way to reduce carbon emissions. In this work, a novel chitosan/lithium sulfonate double network high strength hydrogel is synthesized by electron beam radiation. Due to the electron beam having a wide radiation area and certain penetrating power, the free radical polymerization can be initiated more uniformly and quickly in the hydrogel. The network structure of the hydrogel prepared by radiation-initiated polymerization is more uniform than that prepared by conventional chemical initiator-initiated polymerization. Meanwhile, the introduction of the second network to construct the double network structure does not reduce the surface area of the aerogel, which is different from the conventional method of grafting or impregnation modified porous materials. Moreover, the synthesized aerogels have good physical and chemical stability. The freeze-dried aerogels possess a porous structure and CO₂ capture ability due to the CO₂-philic double network structure. Because of the inexpensive raw material and convenient radiation process, this work can reduce the cost of CO₂ adsorbents and has prospects of application in the field of CO₂ solid adsorbents.

Chitosan hydrogel is regenerated from alkali/urea aqueous solution and the lithium sulfonate second network is introduced by electron beam radiation-initiated in situ free radical polymerization. The freeze-dried aerogel has CO₂ capture capacity.

CO2 Capture by Hydroxylated Azine-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) RIO-13, RIO-12, RIO-11, and RIO-11m were investigated towards their CO₂ capture properties by thermogravimetric analysis at 1 atm and 40 °C. These microporous COFs bear in common the azine backbone composed of hydroxy-benzene moieties but differ in the relative number of hydroxyl groups present in each material. Thus, their sorption capacities were studied as a function of their textural and chemical properties. Their maximum CO₂ uptake values showed a strong correlation with an increasing specific surface area, but that property alone could not fully explain the CO₂ uptake data. Hence, the specific CO₂ uptake, combined with DFT calculations, indicated that the relative number of hydroxyl groups in the COF backbone acts as an adsorption threshold, as the hydroxyl groups were indeed identified as relevant adsorption sites in all the studied COFs. Additionally, the best performing COF was thoroughly investigated, experimentally and theoretically, for its CO₂ capture properties in a variety of CO₂ concentrations and temperatures, and showed excellent isothermal recyclability up to 3 cycles.

Asynchronous Double Schiff Base Formation of Pyrazole Porous Polymers for Selective Pd Recovery

Pyrazole-linked covalent organic polymer is synthesized using an asynchronous double Schiff base from readily available monomers. The one-pot reaction features no metals as a building block or reagent, hence facilitating the structural purity and industrial scalability of the design. Through a single-crystal study on a model compound, the double Schiff base formation is found to follow syn addition, a kinetically favored product, suggesting that reactivity of the amine and carbonyls dictate the order and geometry of the framework building. The highly porous pyrazole polymer COP-214 is chemically resistant in reactive conditions for over two weeks and thermally stable up to 425 °C in air. COP-214 shows well-pronounced gas capture and selectivities, and a high CO2/N2 selectivity of 102. The strongly coordinating pyrazole sites show rapid uptake and quantitative selectivity of Pd (II) over several coordinating metals (especially Pt (II)) at all pH points that are tested, a remarkably rare feature that is best explained by detailed analysis as the size-selective strong coordination of Pd onto pyrazoles. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show energetically favorable Pd binding between the metal and N-sites of COP-214. The polymer is reusable multiple times without loss of activity, providing great incentives for an industrial prospect.

Precious metal recovery from electronic waste by a porous porphyrin polymer

Urban mining of precious metals from electronic waste, such as printed circuit boards (PCB), is not yet feasible because of the lengthy isolation process, health risks, and environmental impact. Although porous polymers are particularly effective toward the capture of metal contaminants, those with porphyrin linkers have not yet been considered for precious metal recovery, despite their potential. Here, we report a porous porphyrin polymer that captures precious metals quantitatively from PCB leachate even in the presence of 63 elements from the Periodic Table. The nanoporous polymer is synthesized in two steps from widely available monomers without the need for costly catalysts and can be scaled up without loss of activity. Through a reductive capture mechanism, gold is recovered with 10 times the theoretical limit, reaching a record 1.62 g/g. With 99% uptake taking place in the first 30 min, the metal adsorbed to the porous polymer can be desorbed rapidly and reused for repetitive batches. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that energetically favorable multinuclear-Au binding enhances adsorption as clusters, leading to rapid capture, while Pt capture remains predominantly at single porphyrin sites.

Triptycene-Based and Schiff-Base-Linked Porous Networks: Efficient Gas Uptake, High CO2/N2 Selectivity, and Excellent Antiproliferative Activity

A set of unique triptycene-based and organic Schiff-base-linked polymers (TBOSBLs) are conveniently synthesized in which triptycene motifs are connected with 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol units via Schiff-base linkages. TBOSBLs are amorphous, thermally stable with a reasonable surface area (SABET up to 649 m2/g), and have abundant nanopores (pore size < 100 nm). TBOSBLs are good sorbents for small gas molecules (such as CO2, H2, and N2) and they can selectively capture CO2 over N2. Additionally, TBOSBLs show superior antiproliferative activity against human colorectal cancer cells relative to previously reported covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The mechanism of cell death is also studied elaborately.

Porous Aromatic Frameworks (PAFs)

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) represent an important category of porous solids. PAFs possess rigid frameworks and exceptionally high surface areas, and, uniquely, they are constructed from carbon-carbon-bond-linked aromatic-based building units. Various functionalities can either originate from the intrinsic chemistry of their building units or are achieved by postmodification of the aromatic motifs using established reactions. Specially, the strong carbon-carbon bonding renders PAFs stable under harsh chemical treatments. Therefore, PAFs exhibit specificity in their chemistry and functionalities compared with conventional porous materials such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks. The unique features of PAFs render them being tolerant of severe environments and readily functionalized by harsh chemical treatments. The research field of PAFs has experienced rapid expansion over the past decade, and it is necessary to provide a comprehensive guide to the essential development of the field at this stage. Regarding research into PAFs, the synthesis, functionalization, and applications are the three most important topics. In this thematic review, the three topics are comprehensively explained and aptly exemplified to shed light on developments in the field. Current questions and a perspective outlook will be summarized.

An ionic covalent organic polymer toward highly selective removal of anionic organic dyes in aqueous solution

A novel ionic COP was prepared for the highly selective removal of anionic organic dyes in aqueous solution.

Metal-free azo-bridged porphyrin porous organic polymers for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to CO with high selectivity

Two nitrogen-rich azo-bridged porphyrin porous organic polymers (Azo-Por-Bpy-POP and Azo-Por-Dadp-POP) with high surface areas were prepared by coupling 5,10,15,20-tetra(p-nitrophenyl)-porphyrin with the aromatic amines of 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-diamine (Bpy) and diaminodiphenyl (Dadp). Azo-Por-Bpy-POP and Azo-Por-Dadp-POP display high photocatalytic reduction activity for CO2 to CO under visible-light irradiation without a sacrificial reagent or metal co-catalyst. Azo-Por-Bpy-POP exhibits the highest photoreduction for CO2 with CO as the only carbonaceous reduction product with a production rate of 38.75 μmol g-1 h-1. Theoretical investigations indicate a stronger electrostatic interaction between CO2 and Azo-Por-Bpy-POP than Azo-Por-Dadp-POP, which favors CO2 photoreduction.

Redox-Active Porous Organic Polymers as Novel Electrode Materials for Green Rechargeable Sodium-Ion Batteries

The use of redox-active organic materials in rechargeable batteries has the potential to transform the field by enabling lightweight, flexible, green batteries while replacing lithium with sodium would mitigate the limited supplies and high cost of lithium. Herein, we report the first use of highly porous azo-linked polymers (ALPs) as a new redox-active electrode material for rechargeable sodium-ion batteries. ALPs are highly cross-linked polymers and therefore eliminate the solubility issue of organic electrodes in common electrolytes, which is prominent in small organic molecules and leads to fast capacity fading. Moreover, the high surface area coupled with the π-conjugated microporous nature of ALPs facilitates electrolyte adsorption in the pores and assists in fast ionic transport and charge transfer rates. An average specific capacity of 170 mA h g^-1 at 0.3 C rate was attained while maintaining 96% Coulombic efficiency over 150 charge/discharge cycles.

Porous Polymers as Multifunctional Material Platforms toward Task-Specific Applications

Exploring advanced porous materials is of critical importance in the development of science and technology. Porous polymers, being famous for their all-organic components, tailored pore structures, and adjustable chemical components, have attracted an increasing level of research interest in a large number of applications, including gas adsorption/storage, separation, catalysis, environmental remediation, energy, optoelectronics, and health. Recent years have witnessed tremendous research breakthroughs in these fields thanks to the unique pore structures and versatile skeletons of porous polymers. Here, recent milestones in the diverse applications of porous polymers are presented, with an emphasis on the structural requirements or parameters that dominate their properties and functionalities. The Review covers the following applications: i) gas adsorption, ii) water treatment, iii) separation, iv) heterogeneous catalysis, v) electrochemical energy storage, vi) precursors for porous carbons, and vii) other applications (e.g., intelligent temperature control textiles, sensing, proton conduction, biomedicine, optoelectronics, and actuators). The key requirements for each application are discussed and an in-depth understanding of the structure-property relationships of these advanced materials is provided. Finally, a perspective on the future research directions and challenges in this field is presented for further studies.

Pyrene Bearing Azo-Functionalized Porous Nanofibers for CO2 Separation and Toxic Metal Cation Sensing

A novel luminescent azo-linked polymer (ALP) has been constructed from 1,3,6,8-tetra(4-aminophenyl)pyrene using a copper(I)-catalyzed oxidative homocoupling reaction. The polymer displays high porosity with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 1259 m² g^-1 and narrow pore size distribution (1.06 nm) and is able to take up a significant amount of CO₂ (2.89 mmol g^-1) at 298 K and 1.00 bar with a high isosteric heat of adsorption of 27.5 kJ mol^-1. Selectivity studies applying the ideal adsorbed solution theory revealed that the novel polymer has moderately good selectivities for CO₂/N₂ (55.1) and CO₂/CH₄ (10.9). Furthermore, the ALP shows fluorescence quenching in the presence of Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Tl⁺, and Al³⁺ ions. Compared with these ions, the ALP showed no sensitivity to light metal ions such as Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ in ethanol-water solution, clearly indicating the high selectivity of the ALP toward heavy metal ions. The exceptional physiochemical stability, high porosity, and strong luminescence make this polymer an excellent candidate as a fluorescent chemical sensor for the detection of heavy metal ions.

New Azo-DMOF-1 MOF as a Photoresponsive Low-Energy CO2 Adsorbent and Its Exceptional CO2/N2 Separation Performance in Mixed Matrix Membranes

A new generation-2 light-responsive metal-organic framework (MOF) has been successfully synthesized using Zn as the metal source and both 2-phenyldiazenyl terephthalic acid and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as the ligands. It was found that Zn-azo-dabco MOF (Azo-DMOF-1) exhibited a photoresponsive CO₂ adsorption both in static and dynamic condition because of the presence of azobenzene functionalities from the ligand. Further application of this MOF was evaluated by incorporating it as a filler in a mixed matrix membrane for CO₂/N₂ gas separation. Matrimid and polymer of intrinsic microporosity-1 (PIM-1) were used as the polymer matrix. It was found that Azo-DMOF-1 could enhance both the CO₂ permeability and selectivity of the pristine polymer. In particular, the Azo-DMOF-1-PIM-1 composite membranes have shown a promising performance that surpassed the 2008 Robeson Upper Bound.

Microporous carbons derived from melamine and isophthalaldehyde: One-pot condensation and activation in a molten salt medium for efficient gas adsorption

In the present work, mixture of melamine and isophthalaldehyde undergo simultaneous polymerization, carbonization, and in situ activation in the presence of molten salt media through a single all-in-one route to design microporous carbons with high specific surface areas (~3000 m²/g). The effect of the activation temperature and molten salts on the polymerization process and final texture of the carbon was explored. Carbon materials prepared at 700 °C, in the presence of KOH (referred as MIK-700), exhibited a narrower pore-size distribution ~1.05 nm than those prepared in the presence of the eutectic KOH-NaOH mixture (MIKN). Additionally, MIK-700 possesses an optimum micropore volume (1.33 cm³/g) along with a high nitrogen content (2.66 wt%), resulting in the excellent CO₂ adsorption capacity of 9.7 mmol/g at 273 K and 1 bar. Similarly, the high specific area and highest total pore volume play an important role in H₂ storage at 77 K, with 4.0 wt% uptake by MIKN-800 (specific surface area and pore volume of 2984 m²/g and 1.98 cm³/g, respectively.) Thus, the facile one-step solvent-free synthesis and activation strategy is an economically favorable avenue for designing microporous carbons as an efficient gas adsorbents.

Matrimid-JUC-62 and Matrimid-PCN-250 mixed matrix membranes displaying light-responsive gas separation and beneficial ageing characteristics for CO2/N2 separation

The performance of two generation-3 light-responsive metal-organic framework (MOF), namely JUC-62 and PCN-250, was investigated in a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) form. Both of them were incorporated inside the matrimid as the polymer matrix. Using our custom-designed membrane testing cell, it was observed that the MMMs showed up to 9% difference in CO₂ permeability between its pristine and UV-irradiated condition. This shows that the light-responsive ability of the light-responsive MOFs could still be maintained. Thus, this finding is applicable in designing a smart material. Apart from that, the MMMs also has the potential to be applied for post-combustion carbon capture. At loadings up to 15 wt%, both CO₂ permeability and CO₂/N₂ ideal selectivity could be significantly improved and surpassed the value exhibited by most of the MOF-matrimid MMM. Lastly the long term performance of the MMM was also evaluated and it was observed that both MMM could maintain their performance up to 1 month with only a slight decrease in CO₂ permeability observed for 10 wt% PCN-250-matrimid. This study then opens up the possibility to fabricate a novel anti-aging multifunctional membrane material that is applicable as a smart material and also in post combustion carbon capture applications.

Geometry variation in porous covalent triazine polymer (CTP) for CO2 adsorption

Covalent triazine-based organic polymers (CTPs), a sub class of covalent organic polymers (COPs), are promising materials for CO₂ adsorption although the impact of their dimensionality on the trapping process is not well-understood.

Bulky Isopropyl Group Loaded Tetraaryl Pyrene Based Azo-Linked Covalent Organic Polymer for Nitroaromatics Sensing and CO2 Adsorption

An azo-linked covalent organic polymer, Py-azo-COP, was synthesized by employing a highly blue-fluorescent pyrene derivative that is multiply substituted with bulky isopropyl groups. Py-azo-COP was investigated for its sensing and gas adsorption properties. Py-azo-COP shows selective sensing toward the electron-deficient polynitroaromatic compound picric acid among the many other competing analogs that were investigated. Apart from its chemosensing ability, Py-azo-COP (surface area 700 m2 g-1) exhibits moderate selectivity toward adsorption of CO2 and stores up to 8.5 wt % of CO2 at 1 bar and 18.2 wt % at 15.5 bar at 273 K, although this is limited due to the electron-rich -N=N- linkages being flanked by isopropyl groups. Furthermore, the presence of a large number of isopropyl groups imparts hydrophobicity to Py-azo-COP, as confirmed by the increased adsorption of toluene compared to that of water in the pores of the COP.

Selective CO2 Sequestration with Monolithic Bimodal Micro/Macroporous Carbon Aerogels Derived from Stepwise Pyrolytic Decomposition of Polyamide-Polyimide-Polyurea Random Copolymers

Polymeric aerogels (PA-xx) were synthesized via room-temperature reaction of an aromatic triisocyanate (tris(4-isocyanatophenyl) methane) with pyromellitic acid. Using solid-state CPMAS ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR, it was found that the skeletal framework of PA-xx was a statistical copolymer of polyamide, polyurea, polyimide, and of the primary condensation product of the two reactants, a carbamic-anhydride adduct. Stepwise pyrolytic decomposition of those components yielded carbon aerogels with both open and closed microporosity. The open micropore surface area increased from <15 m² g^-1 in PA-xx to 340 m² g^-1 in the carbons. Next, reactive etching at 1,000 °C with CO₂ opened access to the closed pores and the micropore area increased by almost 4× to 1150 m² g^-1 (out of 1750 m² g^-1 of a total BET surface area). At 0 °C, etched carbon aerogels demonstrated a good balance of adsorption capacity for CO₂ (up to 4.9 mmol g^-1), and selectivity toward other gases (via Henry's law). The selectivity for CO₂ versus H₂ (up to 928:1) is suitable for precombustion fuel purification. Relevant to postcombustion CO₂ capture and sequestration (CCS), the selectivity for CO₂ versus N₂ was in the 17:1 to 31:1 range. In addition to typical factors involved in gas sorption (kinetic diameters, quadrupole moments and polarizabilities of the adsorbates), it is also suggested that CO₂ is preferentially engaged by surface pyridinic and pyridonic N on carbon (identified with XPS) in an energy-neutral surface reaction. Relatively high uptake of CH₄ (2.16 mmol g^-1 at 0 °C/1 bar) was attributed to its low polarizability, and that finding paves the way for further studies on adsorption of higher (i.e., more polarizable) hydrocarbons. Overall, high CO₂ selectivities, in combination with attractive CO₂ adsorption capacities, low monomer cost, and the innate physicochemical stability of carbon render the materials of this study reasonable candidates for further practical consideration.

Carbon Dioxide Capture Adsorbents: Chemistry and Methods

Excess carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) emissions and their inevitable consequences continue to stimulate hard debate and awareness in both academic and public spaces, despite the widespread lack of understanding on what really is needed to capture and store the unwanted CO₂ . Of the entire carbon capture and storage (CCS) operation, capture is the most costly process, consisting of nearly 70 % of the price tag. In this tutorial review, CO₂ capture science and technology based on adsorbents are described and evaluated in the context of chemistry and methods, after briefly introducing the current status of CO₂ emissions. An effective sorbent design is suggested, whereby six checkpoints are expected to be met: cost, capacity, selectivity, stability, recyclability, and fast kinetics.

Hyper-crosslinked aromatic polymers with improved microporosity for enhanced CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity

Two knitting polymers derived from highly rigid contorted monomers achieve improved microporosity for CO₂ storage and separation applications.