Description
As society moves to reduce the effects of climate change, there is a growing needfor the use of polymer science in technologies to mitigate the emission of carbon
dioxide. Networks containing quaternary ammonium groups with corresponding
HCO3 ions providing the mobile counter-charge in the networks have been reported
to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere through a moisture swing
mechanism, among other mechanisms. In this work, microstructural analysis of
synthesized polystyrene-based anion exchange networks is conducted using known
characterization techniques to better understand if variations in sorbent microstructure
adjust the distances between the quaternary ammonium groups. Additional surface
morphology studies of these sorbents are conducted. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectra
reveal the amorphous structure of these polymers and the ability to adjust the distance
between quaternary ammonium groups by introducing different spacer groups and
various anions into the networks, which may affect the spontaneity of the CO2
to chemisorb to these sorbents. However, Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering (WAXS)
conflicts with the XRD data, indicating a change in distance between these groups is
not achieved. Additionally, WAXS data indicates an ability to increase the homogeneity
of structure in these materials by introducing larger counterions into the networks.
Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) reveals no obvious large morphological features
in these sorbents, which is supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images.
In conclusion, XRD and WAXS experiments exhibit conflicting data regarding the
ability to adjust the distances between the quaternary ammonium groups in these
networks. Proposed actions to resolve this conflict are presented. Finally, SEM sheds
light on particle size and morphological features of these materials.
Details
Title
- Structural Investigation of Quaternary Ammonium-Functionalized Networks for Gas Capture Applications
Contributors
- Benard, Emmie Marie (Author)
- Green, Matthew (Thesis advisor)
- Jin, Kailong (Committee member)
- Yang, Sui (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2024
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- Partial requirement for: M.S., Arizona State University, 2024
- Field of study: Materials Science and Engineering