Achieving efficient CO2 capture through the synergistic effect of sulfur and calcium in the electrospun lignin-based carbon membrane

This work cleverly utilizes the sulfur contained in lignin itself to achieve the self-growth of calcium sulfide on the surface of electrospun lignin-based carbon membranes, and successfully applies it to the efficient capture of CO2. The membrane is synthesized through electrospinning technology combined with one-step calcium loading and carbonization process. The maximum adsorption capacity of the membrane is 1.56 mmol/g at 500 °C with a mixed gas of 99 % N2 and 1 % CO2. The Avrami fractional kinetic model indicates that the CO2 adsorption process is a combination of single-layer and multi-layer adsorption behavior. More importantly, this work innovatively proposes utilizing the CO2 capture process to promote the migration of sulfur in lignin. Sulfur containing product such as calcium sulfate is generated during the CO2 capture process. All in all, this work not only lays the foundation for the application of lignin in CO2 capture, but also provides crucial support for the efficient capture of CO2 and the advancement of poly-generation technology based on carbon capture. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.