Reusable nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon adsorbent for carbon dioxide adsorption in fixed-bed

Reusable nitrogen-doped carbon derived from coconut shell was prepared as a sustainable alternative for carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption from gas streams. The procedure is based on carbonization and chemical activation with coconut shell, glucosamine, and KOH as the activating agent. The textural properties, as well as the fixed-bed adsorption and regeneration performance of the adsorbent were investigated using the fixed-bed adsorption column. The surface nature and properties of the adsorbent changed remarkably due to the surface modification that enhanced the adsorption process. The adsorbent showed a maximum CO2 uptake of 4.23 mmol/g at 30 °C and 1 bar. CO2 adsorption capacity increased with initial concentration and decreased with increases in temperature and flowrate. The adsorption capacity and physiochemical properties of the adsorbent were preserved after 20 adsorption-desorption cycles without significant loss in capacity. This finding suggests that the synthesized adsorbent is a good candidate for CO2 capture from post-fossil fuel combustion processes.