Influence of MgO template on carbon dioxide adsorption of cation exchange resin-based nanoporous carbon

In this work, porous carbons with well-developed pore structures were directly prepared from a weak acid cation exchange resin (CER) by the carbonization of a mixture with Mg acetate in different ratios. The effect of the Mg acetate-to-CER ratio on the pore structure and CO2 adsorption capacities of the obtained porous carbons was studied. The textural properties and morphologies of the porous carbons were analyzed via N2/77 K adsorption/desorption isotherms, SEM, and TEM, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacities of the prepared porous carbons were measured at 298 K and 1 bar and 30 bar. By dissolving the MgO template, the porous carbons exhibited high specific surface areas (326–1276 m2/g) and high pore volumes (0.258–0.687 cm3/g). The CO2 adsorption capacities of the porous carbons were enhanced to 164.4 mg/g at 1 bar and 1045 mg/g at 30 bar by increasing the Mg acetate-to-CER ratio. This result indicates that CER was one of the carbon precursors to producing the porous structure, as well as for improving the CO2 adsorption capacities of the carbon species.

The porous carbons were directly prepared from a weak acid cation exchange resin by the carbonization of a mixture with Mg acetate.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (72 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The nanoporous carbons were directly prepared from a cation exchange resin and Mg acetate.
► The microstructure of the obtained porous carbons was significantly affected by the Mg acetate-to-resin ratio.
► By dissolving the MgO template, the nanoporous carbons exhibited high specific surface areas and pore volume.
► The CO2 adsorption capacities of the nanoporous carbons were enhanced by increasing the Mg acetate-to-resin ratio.