August 26, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Bill Wellock, Florida State University A new, biomass-based material developed by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers can be used to repeatedly capture and release carbon dioxide. The material is primarily made from lignin , an organic molecule that is a main component of wood and other plants, and it can take up carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from concentrated sources or directly from the air.
The research appears in Advanced Materials . "The beauty of this work is the ability to precisely control the capture and release of CO 2 without high pressure or extreme temperatures," said study co-author Hoyong Chung, an associate professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. "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.
" In previous research , Chung's team developed a lignin and CO 2 -based polymer that represented a potential alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastic. This paper takes that research further, showing the possibility of reversing the process and of reusing the material to absorb CO 2 again in the future. Because it is found in plants, lignin is abundant and cheap, and it is oft.
