Synthesis of discrete SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets by solvent-free seed-assisted route for efficient CO₂ capture

Efficient CO₂ capture from flue gas and natural gas is highly desirable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Discrete SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets are prepared by the solvent-free seed-assisted route for the first time to capture CO₂. Synthesis parameters such as H₂O/SiO₂ ratio and synthesis time are optimized and the formation mechanism of the SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets is studied. The nanosheets have a thickness of 30 nm and an aspect ratio of 10. The HR-TEM characterization shows that the base face of the nanosheet corresponds to its (001) plane with a pore size of 3.8 Å × 3.8 Å. The CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ selectivities of SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets are as high as 1092 and 136 by Ideal Adsorption Solution Theory (IAST), respectively. Furthermore, breakthrough results indicate that SSZ-39 zeolite nanosheets have great application potential for separating CO₂ from flue gas and natural gas.