Review of zeolitic-based sorbents for CO₂ capture: Insights into functional modifications, economic feasibility and machine learning-enhanced strategies

The emission of CO₂ from various anthropogenic sources due to over-dependence on fossil fuels is posing significant threats to our environment, with adverse impacts on the ecosystem and climate change. Unfortunately, alternative energy sources to fossil fuels are limited, and those that exist often require extensive validation for practicality and careful consideration of associated cost penalties. This review highlights recent milestones in the development of zeolitic sorbents for adsorptive CO₂ capture, emphasizing their efficiency, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. The study first explores various CO₂ capture technologies, including direct air capture, oxy-fuel combustion, pre-combustion, and post-combustion, providing a comprehensive overview of their operational principles and challenges. Zeolite-based materials, known for their high porosity, molecular sieving capabilities, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability, are discussed as promising candidates for CO₂ adsorption. Advances in zeolitic sorbents, such as pristine zeolites, metal-modified zeolites, amine-functionalized zeolites, and silica-modified zeolites, are reviewed in detail, highlighting their enhanced adsorption performance and selectivity. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning techniques in optimizing adsorption processes and material design is examined, showcasing its potential to accelerate the development of next-generation CO₂ capture technologies. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, including the lack of comprehensive research on adsorption performance, limited scalability, and cost disparities across industries. This review underscores the need for future studies to focus on improving the stability, economic viability, and industrial practicality of zeolitic sorbents. By addressing these limitations and leveraging advancements in material engineering, zeolite-based sorbents can become a cornerstone in achieving scalable and sustainable CO₂ capture solutions.