Researchers from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed an innovative, biomass-based material that can repeatedly capture and release carbon dioxide (CO₂) without the need for high pressure or extreme temperatures.
This breakthrough could play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
The new material is primarily made from lignin, a natural compound found in wood and other plants. Lignin is abundant, inexpensive, and often collected as a byproduct of wood processing.
The research, which was published in Advanced Materials, shows that this lignin-based material can effectively absorb CO₂ from both concentrated sources and the air around us.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this material is its ability to capture and release CO₂ without losing its structure, even after multiple uses.
“The beauty of this work is the ability to precisely control the capture and release of CO₂ without high pressure or extreme temperatures,” said Hoyong Chung, an associate professor at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and co-author of the study.
This makes the material a promising tool for mitigating carbon emissions.
In earlier research, Chung’s team developed a similar lignin and CO₂-based polymer as a potential alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
This new study takes that research a step further by demonstrating that the material can not only absorb CO₂ but also release it in a controlled way, making it reusable for capturing more CO₂ in the future.
During their experiments, the researchers discovered something surprising. While analyzing the material using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they noticed tiny bubbles forming when the sample was heated.
This unexpected observation led them to realize that the heat was causing the material to release the absorbed CO₂.
By carefully controlling the temperature, they found they could manage the amount of CO₂ released.
The process requires only about 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) at normal atmospheric pressure to release the CO₂, making the process energy-efficient. Moreover, this release temperature can be adjusted depending on the specific application.
“This is like a sponge for CO₂, absorbing it, releasing it, and drying up so it can capture more,” Chung explained. This makes the material incredibly versatile for different uses, such as in manufacturing, agriculture, and more.
The lead author of the study, postdoctoral researcher Arijit Ghorai, and the rest of the team believe this material could be a game-changer in how we manage CO₂ emissions.
With its ability to absorb, release, and then reabsorb CO₂, this lignin-based material offers a sustainable and efficient way to help reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, contributing to the fight against climate change.
