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Herein, a robust microporous aluminum tetracarboxylate framework, MIL‐120(Al)‐AP, (MIL, AP: Institute Lavoisier and Ambient Pressure synthesis, respectively) is reported, which exhibits high CO2 uptake (1.9 mmol g−1 at 0.1 bar, 298 K). In situ Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements together with Monte Carlo simulations reveal that this structure offers a favorable CO2 capture configuration with the pores being decorated with a high density of µ2‐OH groups and accessible aromatic rings. Meanwhile, based on calculations and experimental evidence, moderate host‐guest interactions Qst (CO2) value of MIL‐120(Al)‐AP (−40 kJ mol−1) is deduced, suggesting a relatively low energy penalty for full regeneration. Moreover, an environmentally friendly ambient pressure green route, relying on inexpensive raw materials, is developed to prepare MIL‐120(Al)‐AP at the kilogram scale with a high yield while the Metal‐ Organic Framework (MOF) is further shaped with inorganic binders as millimeter‐sized mechanically stable beads. First evidences of its efficient CO2/N2 separation ability are validated by breakthrough experiments while operando IR experiments indicate a kinetically favorable CO2 adsorption over water. Finally, a techno‐economic analysis gives an estimated production cost of ≈ 13 $ kg−1, significantly lower than for other benchmark MOFs. These advancements make MIL‐120(Al)‐AP an excellent candidate as an adsorbent for industrial‐scale CO2 capture processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling is one of the barriers to developing more efficient and near-zero emission internal combustion engines. The micron-sized particulate matter is one of the roots of this fouling phenomenon in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers. This fouling is inadequately evaluated quantitatively, and its deposition mechanism is unknown. To investigate the effect of gravity on the deposition of micron-sized particles, an original nondestructive sampling fouling method and experiment apparatus have been developed to effectively obtain the upper and lower bottom fouling in the cooler in the direction of airflow, and the area proportion, count, and diameter of large particles in the fouling using image processing software. It was found that (i) the area proportion of large particles in the lower bottom fouling was almost 2.5 times higher than the upper bottom fouling; (ii) the count of large particles in the lower bottom fouling was higher, and the maximum diameter was larger, up to 639mm; (iii) the mass of the lower bottom fouling was 1.5 times higher than the upper bottom fouling; (iv) gravity can significantly promote the deposition of micron-sized particles and should be considered in the design and arrangement of the EGR cooler to prevent fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]