Nature is full of secrets that can help us solve the issue of rising emissions. One such secret is revealed by the researchers as they discovered lignin polymers can control CO2 sequestration and release.
The researchers from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering developed a new biomass-based material to capture and release CO2. Primarily made from lignin, an organic molecule and the main component of wood and other plants, this material can repeatedly capture and release CO2.
Prof. Hoyong Chung from FAMU-FSU and co-author of the study said, “The beauty of this work is the ability to precisely control the capture and release of CO2 without high pressure or extreme temperatures. Our testing showed that this material’s structure stayed the same even after being used multiple times, making this a promising tool for mitigating carbon emissions.”
Prof. Chung’s team in previous research developed a lignin and CO2-based polymer which could serve as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastic. This new study is taking that research ahead by highlighting the possibility of reversing the process and reusing the material for absorbing CO2 again.
A Hopeful End to Plastic Dependency with Recyclable Polymer
Highlights
- 1 gram of lignin-based material captured 47 milligrams (5%) of the original material’s weight of CO2 from a concentrated source.
- The same amount of material captured 26 milligrams of CO2 from ambient air.
- Lignin-based material can permanently sequester the captured carbon, or it can release it for various applications.
- Captured CO2 can be released at around 60° C at normal atmospheric pressure.
Why is Lignin Used for Developing the Material?
It is abundantly found in plants and cost effective. Lignin is harvested as a by-product collected from wood processing.
With further observations, researchers found that heat was the cause as to why the material was releasing the captured CO2. Moreover, by controlling the head applied to the sample material, they successfully controlled the amount of CO2 released. Also, they used the captured gas in other reactions after it was released from the sample material. Furthermore, there is no need for high pressure or temperatures to complete the sequestration and release process.
Researchers are working to improvise ahead after the discovery of lignin polymers can control CO2 sequestration and release,
Source: Ionic Lignin Polymers for Controlled CO2 Capture, Release, and Conversion into High-Value Chemicals
