A material created by researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, which surrounds a living cell and seemingly breathes in carbon dioxide may lead to long-lasting energy storage if the tech is put towards winemaking. This innovative idea has a lot of potential in the future to reduce carbon emissions and fight towards a greener planet.
The Versatile Lignin
Lignin is an organic molecule in wood and other plants, viewed as an extract of the wood industry for long periods. However, scientists at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have found a new way to use this natural resource.
One invention from their group is a polymer based on lignin, that can capture and release carbon dioxide (CO2) repeatedly. Not only is this material readily available and cheap, but it could also be used to completely change how we think about carbon capture and storage.
In contrast to traditional techniques which involve high pressure or extreme temperatures, this kind of material derived from biomass is capable of capturing and liberating CO2 under significantly milder conditions. This makes it a tool that holds a lot of promise for carbon mitigation and sustainability.
A Sponge for CO2
Testing by the researchers demonstrated that this lignin-based material is capable of trapping high CO2 volumes at both concentrated sources and also straight out of the atmosphere. It could capture 47 milligrams of CO2 from a concentrated source and 26 milligrams from ambient air—oven dry basis, which is approximately 5% the weight of the material.
The CO2 meanwhile can either be sequestered permanently or released for use in applications including manufacturing, agriculture, etc. The secret to this is that the material can release the CO2 trapped within it using nothing more than reasonably mild heat, without having to use high temperatures and pressures.
The researchers noted that the CO2 release temperature can be tailored to meet different needs, rendering this material an ally for carbon management efforts. CoSoultants, 2018 This spongy action can be absorbed, and CO2 is then to be released and reabsorbed in the sponge-like behaviour (which represents a very interesting transformation in terms of potential), this technology points towards some significant aspects.
Conclusion
This study, by researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, marks a major advance in the search for efficient and sustainable carbon capture and storage options. The potential to avoid energy-intensive pathways to mitigate carbon emissions makes this technology a new path forward in accessing the carbon-capture benefits of this abundant and renewable resource — lignin. While we are all fingers-crossed hoping for a more sustainable, fossil fuel-free future, innovations such as these may indeed play an important role in helping to mend the world.
