Surface modification of a low cost bentonite for post-combustion CO2 capture

A low cost bentonite was modified with PEI (polyethylenimine) through a physical impregnation method. Bentonite in its natural state and after amine modification were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and investigated for CO2 capture using a thermogravimetric analysis unit connected to a flow panel. The effect of adsorption temperature, PEI loading and CO2 partial pressure on the CO2 capture performance of the PEI-modified bentonite was examined. A cyclic CO2 adsorption–desorption test was also carried out to assess the stability of PEI-modified bentonite as a CO2 adsorbent. Bentonite in its natural state showed negligible CO2 uptake. After amine modification, the CO2 uptake increased significantly due to CO2 capture by amine species introduced via chemisorption. The PEI-modified bentonites showed high CO2 capture selectivity over N2, and exhibited excellent stability in cyclic CO2 adsorption–desorption runs.