Optimization study of an amine loaded fly ash based stable aerogel for enhanced CO2 capture

This research investigates the optimization of an advanced CO₂ capture material, using state of the art electron beam radiation technique, specifically an amine-loaded onto fly ash-incorporated polyacrylamide-based stable aerogel. The optimization study aims to enhance the PEI loading and thermal stability of the aerogel to capture CO₂. The response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) was employed to assess and optimize the impact of electron beam radiation dose, MBA concentration, and fly ash as independent variables on the PEI loading capacity as the response function. A good agreement between the model prediction and experimental results. This aerogel is characterized by its morphology, surface area and pore analysis chemical changes, and thermal stability. The introduction of fly ash enhanced the PEI loading up to 4.5 g/g and thermal stability below 190 °C of the PEI impregnated P (AAm-co-AAc) aerogel. In addition, the improved hybrid aerogel impregnated with PEI exhibited a CO₂ adsorption capacity up to 4.83 mmol/g at 30 °C. Remarkably, this aerogel maintained 98.3 % of its original capacity without any substantial loss after undergoing five regeneration cycles. The proposed optimization contributes to the development of sustainable and efficient materials for mitigating atmospheric CO₂ levels, addressing critical environmental challenges.