Enhancement of fast CO 2 capture by a nano-SiO 2/CaO composite at Ca-looping conditions

In this paper we show the performance of a new CO 2 sorbent consisting of a dry physical mixture of a Ca-based sorbent and a SiO 2 nanostructured powder. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) performed at conditions close to the Ca-looping process demonstrate that the rate of CO 2 capture by the mixture is enhanced during the fast carbonation stage of practical interest in applications. Moreover, the residual capture capacity of the mixture is increased. SEM/EDX, physisorption, and XRD analyses indicate that there is a relevant interaction between the nanostructured SiO 2 skeleton and CaO at high temperatures, which serves to improve the efficiency of the transfer of CO 2 to small reactive pores as well as the stability of the sorbent pore structure. © 2012 American Chemical Society.Peer Reviewe