Surfactant-assisted hydrothermal crystallization of nanostructured lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) hollow spheres: II—Textural analysis and CO2–H2O sorption evaluation

In a previous work, the synthesis and structural-microstructural characterization of different nanocrystalline lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) samples were performed. Then, in this work, initially, a textural analysis was performed over the same samples. Li2SiO3 samples prepared with a non-ionic surfactant (TRITON X-114) presented the best textural properties. Therefore, this sample was selected to evaluate its water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) sorption properties. Sorption experiments were performed at low temperatures (30–80 °C) in presence of water vapor using N2 or CO2 as carrier gases. Results clearly evidenced that CO2 sorption on these materials is highly improved by H2O vapor, and of course, textural properties enhanced the H2O–CO2 sorption efficiency, in comparison with the solid-state reference sample.

Li2SiO3 varied significantly its capacity of CO2 absorption as a function of the microstructural properties and by the water presence.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We studied the CO2 absorption on different Li2SiO3 samples in presence of H2O vapor.
► It was proved that CO2 absorption on Li2SiO3 is controlled by different factors.
► Li2SiO3 with a porous microstructure produces a higher CO2 absorption.
► H2O vapor favors the CO2 absorption on Li2SiO3 due to a surface hydroxylation.