Exploring advanced materials for
efficient capture and separation
of CO2 is important for CO2 reduction and fuel
purification. In this study, we have carried out first-principles
density functional theory calculations to investigate CO2, N2, CH4, and H2 adsorption on
the amphoteric regioselective B80 fullerene. Based on our
calculations, we find that CO2 molecules form strong interactions
with the basic sites of the B80 by Lewis acid–base
interactions, while there are only weak bindings between the other
three gases (N2, CH4, and H2) and
the B80 adsorbent. The study also provides insight into
the reaction mechanism of capture and separation of CO2 using the electron deficient B80 fullerene.