Carbon nanotube/PVA aerogels impregnated with PEI: Solid adsorbents for CO ₂ capture

A series of ultra-light aerogels made of oxidized carbon nanotubes and cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol has been prepared by freeze drying of hydrogels, characterised, and tested as amine impregnated solid supports for CO ₂ capture. The prepared spongy aerogels have demonstrated mechanical, chemical and thermal stabilities, and are electrically conducting. Polyethyleneimine impregnated aerogels with an amine content of 75-83% demonstrated CO ₂ capacity values ≥3.3 mmol g ^-1 in a dilute gas stream, which makes the prepared aerogels highly promising supports for amine impregnation in carbon capture applications.