Creating MFI Zeolites Using Divalent Precursors for Carbon Dioxide Capture

Presenter

Oghosasere Shawn Osunde

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Wei Fan, Department of Chemical Engineering, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A87, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

According to the Global Carbon Project, in 2023 global Carbon Dioxide emissions rose once more, reaching record levels of around 40 billion tons of emission and about 90% of this directly comes from fossil fuels. To reduce the harmful effects of global warming, there is a pressing need to reduce these emissions. Several innovations and technologies for CO2 capture have been developed over the years with zeolites emerging as materials that can potentially improve capturing processes. These crystalline microporous materials are extremely versatile and display CO2 adsorption behavior which can serve as an application for carbon capture, storage, and utilization. This research project centers on the innovative design and synthesis of MFI zeolites (silicon based zeolite commonly used in adsorption and catalysis) utilizing divalent chlorides (chlorine compounds with doubly-charged positive ions) instead of the conventional monovalent chloride (single positive charged chlorine ions) precursors such as sodium and potassium chloride. Divalent cations create a different charge imbalance within the MFI zeolite which in theory could cause the cations to form a framework that is closer together (more selective) on a molecular level. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential enhancements in the carbon dioxide capture capabilities of MFI zeolites when utilizing divalent chlorides like calcium, zinc, copper and barium, as the framework for the synthesis agent. After synthesis is completed, each of the produced materials will be characterized and placed in a CO2 adsorption chamber to compare performance. 

Keywords

Zeolite , Carbon Capture , Adsorption , global climate change , Carbon emissions

Research Area

Engineering

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