CO2 Capture and Low-Temperature Release by Poly(aminoethyl methacrylate) and Derivatives

Poly(aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAEMA), poly(ethylene oxide)- block -(aminoethyl methacrylate) (PEO-PAEMA), and their guanidinylated derivates, poly(guanidine ethyl methacrylate) (PGEMA) and poly(ethylene oxide)- block -(guanidine ethyl methacrylate) (PEO-PGEMA), were prepared to study their capabilities for CO 2 adsorption and release. The polymers of different forms or degree of guanidinylation were thoroughly characterized, and their interaction with CO 2 was studied by NMR and calorimetry. The extent and kinetics of adsorption and desorption of N 2 and CO 2 were investigated by thermogravimetry under controlled gas atmospheres. The materials did not adsorb N 2 , whereas CO 2 could be reversibly adsorbed at room temperature and released by an elevated temperature. The most promising polymer was PGEMA with a guanidinylation degree of 7% showing a CO 2 adsorption capacity of 2.4 mmol/g at room temperature and a desorption temperature of 72 °C. The study also revealed relations between the polymer chemical composition and CO 2 adsorption and release characteristics that are useful in future formulations for CO 2 adsorbent polymer materials.