Development of Composite-Coated Mesh Cartridges for Automobile Exhaust Carbon Capture Using Amine-Functionalized Epoxy Resin-Cerium Oxide-Copper-Based Metal–Organic Framework

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to develop ceramic mesh cartridges coated with amine-functionalized epoxy composites for effective carbon dioxide capture from exhaust streams. Hybrid reactive mixtures were prepared using epoxy resin functionalized with ethylene diamine (EDA) or diethylene triamine (DETA), followed by the incorporation of cerium oxide, fumed silica, potassium carbonate, and copper-based metal–organic framework (MOF) fillers to enhance CO2 adsorption performance. The formulations were uniformly dip-coated onto cylindrical ceramic glass-fiber mesh substrates while maintaining open pore pathways. Material characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis confirmed the formation of the amine–epoxy network, curing behavior, and uniform dispersion of fillers. The coated mesh cartridges were subsequently installed in the exhaust line of a Kirloskar diesel engine and evaluated under real exhaust conditions. Post-capture analysis using CHNS elemental analysis quantified carbon capture and confirmed CO2 adsorption. FTIR results indicated carbamate formation, while DSC confirmed adequate curing. Morphological and textural analyses revealed well-dispersed fillers, specific surface area, and pore volume. The DETA-based composite with copper-based MOF exhibited the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 610.5 mg/g and 33917 mg/m2 of adsorbent. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of amine chemisorption and filler-induced physisorption. These findings demonstrate the potential of hybrid amine-functionalized epoxy composites as materials for mobile CO2 capture applications.