Mechanochemically Activated Carbon for Achieving CO2 Chemisorption under Mild Conditions without Chemical Treatment.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration technology is a promising strategy for mitigating the effects of global warming. Finding a CO2 sequestration strategy with sustainable materials under mild conditions without chemical treatment is crucial. In this context, carbon materials offer great potential owing to their availability and renewability. However, their CO2 adsorption capacity is generally limited by weak physisorption. Herein, we introduce a mechanochemical strategy to unlock the chemisorption capacity of carbon materials without chemical treatment. Through a facile and eco-friendly ball-milling process, it achieves a remarkable CO2 adsorption capacity of 7.8 mmol g-1, which is 4.8 times greater than that of conventional physisorption (1 bar, 25 °C). The mechanochemically induced high-energy dangling bonds enable CO2 chemisorption, yielding lactone-rich carbons with minor quinones and ethers. Our strategy offers a straightforward approach for the environmentally sustainable sequestration of substantial CO2, and it promotes the development of a circular carbon economy.