Directly synthesized high-silica CHA zeolite for efficient CO2/N2 separation

Carbon dioxide capture is an effective method to mitigate climate change. Highly CO2-selective and highly moisture-resistant absorbent is essential for energy-efficient carbon capture by absorption. Herein, a highly CO2-selective and high-silica CHA zeolite in a pure lithium form (Li-SSZ-13) was synthesized using a direct synthesis method for the first time. The effects of gel n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) ratio, gel n(SiO2)/n(Li2O) ratio and synthesis time on the crystallinity, yield, micropore volume and CO2 loading of the crystals were systematically investigated. The adsorption isotherms of CO2 and N2 were measured for directly synthesized Li-SSZ-13, conventional Na-SSZ-13 and ion-exchanged Li-Na-SSZ-13 zeolites. The dynamic breakthrough adsorption properties were measured for Li-SSZ-13 in comparison with Na-SSZ-13 and Li-Na-SSZ-13. The obtained Li-SSZ-13 exhibited a high CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.48 mmol/g and a high CO2/N2 IAST selectivity of 310 at 100 kPa and 273 K, which were 45.0% and 441% higher than Na-SSZ-13 zeolite, 24.8% and 179% higher than Li-Na-SSZ-13 zeolite, respectively. It suggests that directly synthesized Li-SSZ-13 zeolite has great potential for efficient CO2 capture from flue gas.