FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers have developed a new reusable biomass-based material that can capture and release carbon dioxide.
As described in the research published in Advanced Materials, this “innovative and cost-effective ionic polymer” can absorb carbon dioxide, a first.
Compromised of an “abundant and nonfood-based biomass” known as lignin, it absorbs the chemical compound from concentrated sources or the air, as Phys.org reports.
Found in wood and plants, the new material could be a “promising tool for mitigating carbon emissions.” Thus the field of material science continues to search for solutions to address the global threat of plastic by finding replacements for petroleum-based plastic.
“The beauty of this work is the ability to precisely control the capture and release of CO 2 without high pressure or extreme temperatures,” Hoyong Chung, an associate professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering said.
“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.”
Could this lignin biomaterial replace plastic?
A advancement in research already underway, FAMU researchers first demonstrated “the direct synthesis of cyclic carbonate monomer. This molecule made of carbon and oxygen atoms can be linked up with others made ofCO 2 and lignin, as per Phys .
Now they developed a lignin and carbon dioxide polymer, as per Phys . Designed to replace environmentally unsound plastic, the latest in their research suggests that this recyclable material could help to “reverse the process” by absorbing carbon dioxide.
One gram of material absorbed 47 milligrams, or 5 percent, of CO 2 from a source. Moreover, promisingly, 26 milligrams from the air. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide can be captured indefinitely or reused in manufacturing, agriculture, and other relevant industries, as per Phys.org.
They analyzed the biomaterial with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. The tool applies a magnetic field to an atomic nucleus. It provides information about the structure and dynamics of molecules. With it, they sought to investigate why bubbles were present. By regulating the heat, they found that they could mitigate and control how much was being released. Even better: extremely high temperatures aren’t necessary to facilitate this process.
“This is like a sponge for CO 2 , absorbing it, releasing it and drying up so it can capture more,” Chung said. “It’s fascinating to see what is possible with this material.”
Science intends to save the planet
“Modern life relies on plastic,” they stated in previously published research. So this new biomaterial stands to impact the enormous pollution problem but also packaging, medical, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Materials science is one of the oldest forms of engineering, which the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Steel Age exemplify. “This is a breakthrough in material science as it enables the realization of a true circular economy,” as per Phys .
Across this subset of engineering, the plastic problem remains a high priority. Most recycled plastic ends up in clothes, which doesn’t solve the global problem. Biodegradable is the goal. FAMU engineers are making that a reality. They might be close to finding a successful replacement as they continue to improve the material itself.
The most recent research was published in Advanced Materials .
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