A citrate sol–gel method to synthesize Li2ZrO3 nanocrystals with improved CO2 capture properties

Li2ZrO3 nanocrystals with improved CO2 capture properties were synthesized by a citrate sol–gel method. The morphology and structure of the synthesized Li2ZrO3 samples were characterized in detail by SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. The CO2 capture–regeneration properties of these nanocrystals were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) over a wide range of temperatures and of CO2 partial pressures. The nanosized Li2ZrO3 crystallites with a tetragonal phase exhibit a better CO2 capture performance than reported sorbents, exhibiting a faster uptake and a higher, nearly stoichiometric adsorption capacity (∼26 wt.%). Furthermore, the adsorbent shows a good stability, confirmed by capture–regeneration cycles. Based on these excellent properties, application in sorption-enhanced reaction process (SERP) is anticipated.