Mesh-like structure integrated core-shell-shell nanocomposites for enhanced stability and performance in carbon capture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Carbon capture is essential for mitigating climate change, yet most sorbents struggle to combine high capacity with chemical stability. Here we report core-shell-shell (CSS) nanocomposites that integrate adsorption efficiency with exceptional robustness. The design couples a metal-organic framework (MOF) core, which enriches local CO2 concentration, with a polyamine shell that is reorganized into a porous, ordered network through entanglement with an outer covalent organic framework (COF) shell. This hierarchical architecture enables dual amine functionalization via sequential “click” and Schiff-base reactions, achieving a CO2 uptake of 3.4 mmol g−1 at 1 bar. The COF outer layer also acts as a protective barrier, suppressing humidity interference and doubling cycling stability under simulated flue gas. Remarkably, the nanocomposites maintain structural integrity after one week in strongly acidic (3 M HNO3) or basic (NaOH, pH=14) environments, underscoring their chemical resilience. By uniting high capacity, cycling durability, and environmental tolerance, this CSS strategy offers a versatile platform for next-generation carbon capture materials. The study reports a metal-organic framework (MOF) - covalent organic framework (COF) nanocomposite with dual amine sites that captures CO2 efficiently and remains stable under humid, harsh conditions, offering a promising path for next-generation carbon capture.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65531-3

Authors: Sizhuo Yang, Haiyan Mao, Chaochao Dun, Jianfang Liu, Kaipeng Hou, Angela Cai, Jing Wang, Jane K. J. Lee, Donglin Li, Hao Lyu, Zhouyi Chen, Xudong Lv, Hao Zhuang, Xueer Xu, Xueli Zheng, Gang Ren, Jeffrey A. Reimer, Yi Cui, Jeffrey J. Urban

Institutions: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Molecular Foundry, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, European Commission, National Institutes of Health, Office of Science, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering

OpenAlex ID: W4416722078