Among sorbents prepared through hydrothermal treatment, TEPA-modified TiO2demonstrates the highest adsorption capacity (1.63 mmol CO2g−1) and also shows good stability and regenerability after multiple cycles of operation.

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Zeolite 13X (NaX) was modified through ion-exchange with alkali and alkaline earth metal cations. The degree of ion exchange was thoroughly characterized with ICP, EDS and XRF methods. The new method of EDS data evaluation for zeolites was presented. It delivers the same reliable results as more complicated, expensive, time consuming and hazardous ICP approach. The highest adsorption capacities at 273 K and 0.95 bar were achieved for materials containing the alkali metals in the following order K < Na < Li, respectively, 4.54, 5.55 and 5.94 mmol/g. It was found that it is associated with the porous parameters of the ion-exchanged samples. The Li0.61Na0.39X form of zeolite exhibited the highest specific surface area of 624 m2/g and micropore volume of 0.35 cm3/g compared to sodium form 569 m2/g and 0.30 cm3/g, respectively. The increase of CO2 uptake is not related with deterioration of CO2 selectivity. At room temperature, the CO2 vs. N2 selectivity remains at a very high stable level prior and after ion exchange in co-adsorption process (XCO2 during adsorption 0.15; XCO2 during desorption 0.95) within measurement uncertainty. Additionally, the Li0.61Na0.39X sample was proven to be stable in the aging adsorption-desorption tests (200 sorption-desorption cycles; circa 11 days of continuous process) exhibiting the CO2 uptake decrease of about 6%. The exchange with alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca) led to a significant decrease of SSA and micropore volume which correlated with lower CO2 adsorption capacities. Interestingly, the divalent cations cause formation of mesopores, due to the relaxation of lattice strains.

Greenhouse effect is responsible for keeping average temperature of Earth's atmosphere at level of about 288 K. Its intensification leads to warming of our planet and may contribute to adverse changes in the environment. The most important pollution intensifying greenhouse effect is anthropogenic carbon dioxide. This particular gas absorbs secondary infrared radiation, which in the end leads to an increase of average temperature of Earth's atmosphere. Main source of CO 2 is burning of fossil fuels, like oil, natural gas, and coal. Therefore, to reduce its emission, a special CO 2 capture and storage technology is required. Carbonaceous materials are promising materials for CO 2 sorbents. Thus multiwalled carbon nanotubes, due to the lack of impurities like ash in activated carbons, were chosen as a model material for investigation of acid treatment impact on CO 2 uptake. Remarkable 43% enhancement of CO 2 sorption capacity was achieved at 273 K and relative pressure of 0.95. Samples were also thoroughly characterized in terms of texture (specific surface area measurement, transmission electron microscope) and chemical composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy).

Silicate, acrylic and latex photocatalytic paints were analyzed in regards to impact of paint matrix composition and paint layer's thickness on performance in two photocatalytic tests. These included performances in photocatalytic decomposition of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and assessment of photocatalytic activity through use of smart ink test. Silicate photocatalytic paints displayed lower photocatalytic activity in comparison to acrylic and latex photocatalytic paints in both tests, despite the similar content of nanocrystalline TiO 2 . Measurements of depth of UV light penetration through the paints layer were performed and it appeared, that more porous structure of coating resulted in deeper penetration of UV light. In the case of acrylic paint, the thickness of the photocatalytic layer was around 9 μm, but for silicate paint DR this thickness was higher, around 21 μm.