Size-dependent CO2capture in chemically synthesized magnesium oxide nanocrystalsThis paper is part of a Journal of Materials Chemistry theme issue on the chemical transformations of nanoparticles.Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c1jm11784j

The carbon dioxide storage capacity of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles was examined as a function of particle size, shape, and surface area. Two types of MgO nanocrystals (5 nm spheres and 23 nm disks) were synthesized and compared against commercially available MgO (325 mesh/44 μm and 40 mesh/420 μm). The surface area of the four types of particles was determined by N2gas adsorption. Carbon dioxide capture was measured at 60 °C and 600 °C using thermogravimetric analysis, with results indicating enhanced CO2capacity correlating with increased surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]