Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have developed a biomass-based polymer made from lignin, an abundant organic compound in wood and plants, that can repeatedly capture and release carbon dioxide (CO2).
This innovative material absorbs CO2 from both concentrated sources and ambient air, maintaining its structure after multiple uses. It can capture 47 milligrams of CO2 per gram from concentrated sources and 26 milligrams from ambient air. The CO2 can be released by heating the material to around 60 degrees Celsius, making it a practical solution for carbon mitigation.
Building on previous research into lignin-based alternatives to petroleum plastics, this study, published in Advanced Materials, highlights lignin's potential as a sustainable resource in combating climate change. The work was led by postdoctoral researcher Arijit Ghorai and supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
