Enhanced CO2 Capture and Utilization through Chemically and Physically Dual-Modified Amino Cellulose Aerogels Integrated with Microalgae-Immobilized Hydrogels

This study introduces a novel method for CO2 capture and utilization by integrating chemically and physically dual-modified amino cellulose aerogels with microalgae-immobilized silk fibroin/sodium alginate (SF/SA) composite hydrogels. The modified cellulose aerogels, enhanced with 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl-dimethoxymethylsilane (AEAPMDS) and fumed silica-polyethyleneimine (SiO2@PEI), exhibited significantly improved CO2 adsorption capacity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability compared to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) aerogels. This modification addresses the limitations of traditional physical and chemical adsorption methods. The captured CO2 was effectively utilized by the microalgae embedded in the SF/SA hydrogel, leading to increased growth rates, improved carbon fixation efficiency, and reduced energy consumption during CO2 capture and storage. Temperature regulation was applied to optimize CO2 adsorption and desorption, demonstrating the system’s potential for air quality improvement and sustainable bioengineering applications, providing a new strategy to combat climate change.