Amine-functionalized micron-porous polymer foams with high CO2 adsorption efficiency and exceptional stability in PSA process

[Display omitted] •The micron-pore PP/POE foam was prepared with high porosity and toughness.•The encapsulated PEHA was in-depth epoxide-functionalized and crosslinked.•Mild PSA technology was used for CO2 capture to maintain exceptional stability.•High capture efficiency was achieved by extraordinary high amine loading.•Low-cost and low energy penalty promise its application in a large scale. The advantages and disadvantages of amine-based materials for adsorptive CO2 capture have been well addressed so far. In order to maintain their high adsorption efficiency and long-term stability in treatment of complex flue gas, here we selected linear pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) with in-depth epoxide functionalization to inhibit O2, CO2, and SO2 induced deactivation. We enveloped the functionalized PEHA into the hydrophobic polypropylene/polyolefin elastomer open-cell foams via epoxy resin crosslinking to prevent amine leaching and reduce water adsorption. Using the phase inversion and the supercritical CO2 foaming technologies, we controlled the cells with micron sizes and 88% porosity. The loss of adsorption capacity due to amine conversion has been successfully compensated by improving the loading ratio up to 65 wt%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest loading among amine-functionalized materials. Coupled with the PSA process, the stability of PEHA has been extended to the maximum extent in the prerequisite of ensuring high CO2 adsorption efficiency.