Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in the United States have developed a new biopolymer that can capture carbon dioxide. The study detailing this material was published in Advanced Materials (AdvMat) and highlights a lignin-based base, the natural polymer found in wood and many other plants.
In tests, the biopolymer demonstrated a capacity to absorb roughly 47 milligrams of pure CO2 per gram of material. When considering carbon dioxide from the surrounding air, the uptake is around 26 milligrams per gram. These figures position the material as a potential tool in carbon management strategies with applications across multiple sectors (AdvMat).
The captured CO2 can be released upon heating, with the release rate and total volume varying with temperature. CO2 release begins around 60°C under normal atmospheric pressure, enabling a temperature-controlled cycle for capturing and releasing carbon dioxide (AdvMat).
Researchers emphasize that polymer-based systems like this one can be used to extract carbon dioxide and then release it for industrial reuse. This characteristic opens possibilities for integration into industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors seeking to manage carbon emissions while potentially reusing the emitted CO2 in productive processes (AdvMat).
Tests indicate that the material’s structure remains stable after repeated use, which supports its potential as a durable option for ongoing carbon management. Such stability is a key attribute for practical deployment, suggesting this biopolymer could function as a long-term component in emission-reduction strategies (AdvMat).
Earlier research has explored heat-resistant bioplastics produced through microbial processes, illustrating a growing interest in sustainable polymers that can perform under demanding conditions while offering environmental benefits beyond conventional plastics (AdvMat).