Investigation on cost-effective composites for CO₂ adsorption from post-gasification residue and metal organic framework

Cost-effective CO₂ adsorbents are gaining increasing attention as viable solutions for mitigating climate change. In this study, composites were synthesized by electrochemically combining the post-gasification residue of Macadamia nut shell with copper benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (CuBTC). Among the different composites synthesized, the ratio of 1:1 between biochar and CuBTC (B 1:1) demonstrated the highest CO₂ adsorption capacity. Under controlled laboratory conditions (0°C, 1 bar, without the influence of ambient moisture or CO₂ diffusion limitations), B 1:1 achieved a CO₂ adsorption capacity of 9.8 mmol/g, while under industrial-like conditions (25°C, 1 bar, taking into account the impact of ambient moisture and CO₂ diffusion limitations within a bed of adsorbent), it reached 6.2 mmol/g. These values surpassed those reported for various advanced CO₂ adsorbents investigated in previous studies. The superior performance of the B 1:1 composite can be attributed to the optimization of the number of active sites, porosity, and the preservation of the full physical and chemical surface properties of both parent materials. Furthermore, the composite exhibited a notable CO₂/N₂ selectivity and improved stability under moisture conditions. These favorable characteristics make B 1:1 a promising candidate for industrial applications.