This work presents the development of a unique direct air capture (DAC) adsorbent with ultra-high kinetics for CO₂ capture from air. By grafting quaternary ammonium (QA) functional groups onto high surface area mesoporous polymers, the researchers achieved a moisture swing adsorption (MSA) capable adsorbent with a half-time of 2.9 min, the highest reported value among DAC adsorbents. A cyclic adsorption capacity of 0.26 mmol g⁻¹ was obtained. The study revealed that uniform cylindrical pore structures enhance functional group efficiency and CO₂ capacity, and also tune the MSA ability through capillary condensation of water.

Tao Wang, Xinru Wang, Chenglong Hou, Jun Liu