Effect of exfoliation temperature on carbon dioxide capture of graphene nanoplates

Thermally exfoliated graphene nanoplates were found to be a novel high efficiency sorbent for the capture of CO2. The exfoliated graphene nanoplates were expanded successfully from graphite oxide by a low-heat treatment at temperatures ranging from 150 to 400 °C under vacuum conditions. The texture was analyzed by N2 full isotherms and XRD. The CO2 capture characteristics of the graphene nanoplates at 25 °C and 30 bar were examined using a pressure–composition–temperature apparatus. The inter-layer spacing of the graphene layers and pore structure on the CO2 capture capacities were studied as a function of the processing conditions. The prepared graphene nanoplates exhibited high capture capacities, up to 248 wt.%, at 25 °C and 30 bar. The improved CO2 capture capacity of the graphene nanoplates was attributed to the larger inter-layer spacing and higher interior void volume.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (101 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The exfoliated GNs were expanded by a low-heat treatment at temperatures ranging from 150 to 400 °C. ► The inter-layer spacing of GNs on the CO2 capture were studied as a function of the processing conditions. ► The GNs exhibited high capture capacities, up to 248 wt.%, at 25 °C and 30 bar.