Optimization of amine-based hydrogel sorbents for CO2 capture: The role of crosslinkers
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Amine-based hydrogel sorbents are gaining increasing attention for CO 2 capture application due to their long-term stability, simple fabrication, and compatibility with humid environments. These hydrogels are solidified with crosslinkers, which have a potentially large but unstudied influence on both the production process and the CO 2 uptake of the sorbent. Therefore, in this study, we systematically investigate how different crosslinkers influence the performance of polyethylenimine (PEI)-based hydrogel sorbents. Six crosslinkers representing acids, epoxides, and vinyl-based agents are initially screened based on crosslinking time, toxicity, and material cost. Subsequently, epichlorohydrin (ECH)-, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TTE)-, and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)-crosslinked particles are selected for detailed investigation on their CO 2 uptake and mechanical strength. Among the three, TTE-crosslinked particles show the highest CO 2 uptake, closely followed by GPTMS, with ECH significantly lower. All three crosslinkers result in sorbents with excellent cycling stability when using steam regeneration. GPTMS particles offer higher CO 2 uptake under low-humidity conditions and exhibit the best mechanical strength, which makes GPTMS as superior for the selected crosslinkers. Overall, the presented evaluation method provides practical guidelines for design and evaluation of durable, high-performance hydrogel sorbents for CO 2 capture.
Source: Polymer Testing
Authors: Yiwei Long, Jieke Jiang, Wilko Rohlfs, Wim Brilman, Claas Willem Visser
Institution: University of Twente
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,370
OpenAlex ID: W4415819041