Ethanolamine-modified zeolite – Chitosan beads as new adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture and crystal violet removal

This study examined the synthesis of an amine-impregnated bead with high content of zeolite X using chitosan as a binding agent. XRD analysis was conducted confirming the intact crystalline structure of zeolite X. The outer surface textures of bare and ethanolamine-treated samples were explored by SEM revealing the uniformly grainy textures of the beads’ outer surfaces. Moreover, specific surface areas investigated from N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms also indicated a declining trend by pore-filling effects of the amine agent. In the meantime, the mechanical and thermal stability of zeolite – chitosan beads were confirmed using force – displacement and TGA/DSC curves which revealed the resistance up to megaPascal scale stress and thermal stability without decomposition over 200 °C. The impregnation of MEA on zeolite - chitosan beads was verified by FTIR for specific functional groups. In addition, the influence of different preparation methods, temperatures and humid conditions on adsorption capacity was also considered for different MEA-loaded samples. The beads with 10 % w.t MEA content exhibited highest CO 2 as well as crystal violet adsorption capacities at room temperatures and stably showed its adsorbing ability up to high temperature. • Novel MEA-modified zeolite-chitosan beads were fruitfully prepared by phase inversion followed by impregnation method. • Impregnation with MEA resulted in significant increase in CO 2 capacity at ambient temperature even at humid condition. • Crystal violet adsorption capacity was also significantly improved on the MEA-contained sample.