Improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity of cocoa shell through functionalization with amino groups and immobilization of cobalt nanoparticles

Radhouane Bargougui (1) , Nabil Bouazizi (1) , Nicolas Brun (2) , P. Nkuigue Fotsing (3) , O. Thoumire (4) , G. Ladam (4) , E Djoufac Woumfo (3) , Nadine Mofaddel (1) , Franck Le Derf (1) , Julien Vieillard (1)

1 COBRA - Chimie Organique et Bioorganique : Réactivité et Analyse
2 ICGM - Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier - Institut de Chimie Moléculaire et des Matériaux de Montpellier
3 LPCMM - Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux Minéraux
4 PBS - Polymères Biopolymères Surfaces

The aim of this research is to investigate how (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) grafting and cobalt nanoparticles (Co-NPs) immobilization may improve the activity of cocoa shell (CS) towards the adsorption of CO2 under ambient temperature. Pure CS are agricultural by-products which are inexpensive and abundantly available. CS powder was functionalized at 80 °C by APTES grafting and modified through the subsequent immobilization of Co-NPs. Physical and thermal properties and stability of the adsorbents have been investigated. Thus, their composition, surface charge, and morphology were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and zeta potential measurements. CO2 adsorption capacity was remarkably increased from 0.015 mmol g−1 for the raw material to 0.24 mmol g−1 after surface modification, highlighting a promising synergistic effect. The adsorption behavior of CO2 was investigated, which involves both physical and chemical adsorption. We hope that this work will open new prospects to develop high-performance biomass-derived adsorbents.

Domaines: Matériaux; Ingénierie de l'environnement

Radhouane Bargougui, Nabil Bouazizi, Nicolas Brun, P. Nkuigue Fotsing, O. Thoumire, et al.. Improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity of cocoa shell through functionalization with amino groups and immobilization of cobalt nanoparticles. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2018, 6 (1), pp.325-331. ⟨10.1016/j.jece.2017.11.079⟩. ⟨hal-02337258⟩