Performance enhancement of all-solid CO2 absorbent based on Na2CO3-promoted MgO by using ZrO2 dispersant

•We prepared Na2CO3-promoted MgO absorbent by the addition of ZrO2 dispersant.•The ZrO2 dispersant in Na2CO3-promoted MgO absorbent improves the performance of CO2 absorption and cyclability of the absorbent.•Enhanced performance of the absorbent is by the even distribution of distributed active components by ZrO2 dispersant.•Our results suggest that using a dispersant can be a general method to enhance the performance of CO2 absorption and cyclability of other absorbents.