Adsorption of CO2 by surface modified coal-based activated carbons: kinetic and thermodynamic analysis

Abstract The effects of different surface modifiers on the CO2 adsorption capacity of coal-based activated carbons were studied, and the diffusion behavior, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of CO2 in activated carbons were analyzed. The results show that compared with ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylenediamine and zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide can greatly improve CO2 adsorption capacity. The adsorption rate is faster, and the adsorption capacity is larger, with the maximum CO2 adsorption capacity being 33.54 mL/g. Fick's law can well describe the diffusion behavior of CO2 in activated carbon. The addition of a surface modifier can increase the diffusion coefficient. The diffusion of CO2 in activated carbon falls into the category of crystal diffusion. The adsorption kinetics of CO2 before and after surface modification follow the Bangham equation. During the adsorption process, δ H < 0, δ G < 0, δ S < 0. Surface modification can reduce adsorption heat and promote adsorption, and the adsorption process is dominated by physisorption.