Chitosan-integrated Ionic Liquid Solutions for Advanced Carbon Capture: Preparation and Performance Optimization

Abstract

This study explores the optimization of CO₂ absorption using chitosan-supported ionic liquids (CSILs) with KOH through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experimental design employed RSM to evaluate and optimize the effects of key variables, including IL percentage, KOH percentage, absorption time, and chitosan percentage, on the absorption efficiency. Statistical analysis and modeling were conducted to identify significant factors and their interactions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the absorption process. The elemental and morphological characteristics of the absorbents were studied using SEM, EDX, and FTIR analysis. The optimized conditions were predicted as 8.40% ionic liquid, 9.80% n-butanol, 81.80% chitosan solution, and 11.50 min absorption time. The predicted and experimental absorption capacities were 1.23 mg/g and 1.15 ± 0.06 mg/g absorbent, respectively. The strong relationship between the predicted CO₂ absorption capacity and experimental CO₂ absorption capacity confirms that the model is correct and consistent in finding the optimal absorption conditions. Therefore, the optimized CO₂ absorption conditions in chitosan-supported ionic liquids of the proposed protocol can be the easy, time-saving, and cost-effective way to capture the maximum amount of CO₂ by using the minimum amount of absorbent.