Abstract
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.