Science 5 months ago

Revolutionary Polymer Absorbs CO₂ at Low Temps

New biomass-based material from FAMU-FSU captures and releases CO2 efficiently. Made from lignin, it offers a low-cost, reusable solution for carbon emissions.

Researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a new biomass-based material capable of capturing and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) repeatedly. This innovative material is primarily composed of lignin, an organic molecule prevalent in wood and plants, which allows it to absorb CO2 from both concentrated sources and the atmosphere. Their findings were published in Advanced Materials.

Hoyong Chung, an associate professor at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and co-author of the study, highlights the advantage of this material: it enables precise control over CO2 capture and release without needing high pressure or extreme temperatures. The material maintains its structure even after multiple uses, making it a promising candidate for reducing carbon emissions.

Building on earlier research where Chung's team developed a lignin-based polymer as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, this new study explores the material's potential for reabsorbing CO2 after it has been released. Lignin is both abundant and inexpensive, often being a byproduct of wood processing.

In practical terms, one gram of the new material captured 47 milligrams of CO2 from concentrated sources and 26 milligrams from the air. This CO2 can either be permanently stored or reused in various applications like manufacturing and agriculture.

An unexpected discovery was made during the study: heating the material caused it to release CO2. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, researchers observed bubbles forming when the sample was heated. This led them to find that controlling the temperature allowed them to manage the amount of CO2 released, which can then be utilized in other processes.

The material releases CO2 at around 60 degrees Celsius under normal atmospheric pressure, indicating that the reuse process doesn’t require high temperatures or pressures. The release temperature can be adjusted based on the needs of different applications.

Arijit Ghorai, a postdoctoral researcher, was the lead author of the study. Chung describes the material as a “sponge for CO2,” capable of absorbing, releasing, and reabsorbing CO2, showcasing its versatile potential.