(716c) Enhanced Carbon Capture on Functionalized Activated Hydrochar

In recent years, CO2 emissions have emerged as a contentious issue due to their association with global warming and various other natural disasters. An economically viable adsorbent for CO2 capture could be produced from loblolly pine (LP), a common remnant of forests through functionalizing with carbon dioxide while performing hydrothermal carbonization. The objective of this study is to develop hydrochar from loblolly pine by pressurizing the reactor head while conducting hydrothermal carbonization at temperatures varying from 200°C to 260°C. The hydrochars are further super activated with KOH in a ratio of 2:1 at 800°C to synthesize a ultraporous adsorbent for comparing the effectiveness of CO2 capture. The activated characters displayed significant surface porosity and pore volume while characterizing. The adsorbent demonstrated improved surface functionalities and an increase in total oxygen content after functionalization with CO2. The functionalized activated chars demonstrated higher CO2 uptake at pressure range of 0.1 to 3 bar and 25°C. The enhanced CO2 capture efficiency was a result of the combined influence of increased surface functionalities and porosity, which improved the physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms.