Enhanced CO2 Capture and Utilization through Chemically and Physically Dual-Modified Amino Cellulose Aerogels Integrated with Microalgae-Immobilized Hydrogels

Abstract

This study introduces a novel method for CO₂ capture and utilization by integrating chemically and physically dual-modified amino cellulose aerogels with microalgae-immobilized silk fibroin/sodium alginate (SF/SA) composite hydrogels. The modified cellulose aerogels, enhanced with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl-dimethoxymethylsilane (AEAPMDS) and fumed silica-polyethyleneimine (SiO₂@PEI), exhibited significantly improved CO₂ adsorption capacity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability compared to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) aerogels. This modification addresses the limitations of traditional physical and chemical adsorption methods. The captured CO₂ was effectively utilized by the microalgae embedded in the SF/SA hydrogel, leading to increased growth rates, improved carbon fixation efficiency, and reduced energy consumption during CO₂ capture and storage. Temperature regulation was applied to optimize CO₂ adsorption and desorption, demonstrating the system’s potential for air quality improvement and sustainable bioengineering applications, providing a new strategy to combat climate change.