In the relentless pursuit of carbon neutrality, scientists are continually exploring innovative solutions to capture and store carbon dioxide, a primary driver of climate change. Among the latest contenders in this arena are biochars derived from bamboo and orange peel, which have shown promising results in CO2 adsorption, according to a recent study published in the journal ‘Molecules’ (Molekules in English). The research, led by Choul Woong Kwon from the Department of Smart City Engineering at Hanyang University ERICA in South Korea, delves into the potential of these biochars as sustainable and efficient materials for carbon capture and storage (CCS) applications.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, has long been recognized for its soil-enhancing properties. However, its potential as a tool for carbon management is now gaining traction. The study by Kwon and his team focuses on bamboo biochar (BB) and orange peel biochar (OPB), evaluating their CO2 adsorption capabilities and the underlying mechanisms that make them effective.
The findings are striking. Orange peel biochar (OPB) exhibits a significantly higher BET surface area (40.13 m²/g) compared to bamboo biochar (7.38 m²/g). This larger surface area, combined with a higher abundance of functional groups such as amine, carboxylic, ester, and ether groups, makes OPB a superior adsorbent. “The functional groups in OPB play a crucial role in enhancing chemisorption interactions with CO2,” explains Kwon. “This rich chemical composition contributes to its higher CO2 adsorption capacity of 22.83 cm³/g, compared to 14.12 cm³/g for BB.”
The study employed various characterization techniques, including sorption isotherms, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, and thermogravimetric analysis, to understand the structural and functional properties of the biochars. The results highlight the importance of optimizing surface area, porosity, and functional group composition for enhancing CO2 adsorption performance.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are substantial. As industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint, the development of cost-effective and sustainable CCS technologies becomes increasingly important. Biochars like OPB offer a promising solution, with the added benefit of utilizing agricultural waste and promoting circular economy principles.
“The superior CO2 adsorbent performance of OPB indicates its potential as a promising material for CCS applications,” says Kwon. “This study establishes the significance of both structural and chemical properties for the application of biochars in advanced adsorption technologies.”
The study published in ‘Molecules’ not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on biochar’s role in mitigating climate change but also paves the way for future developments in the field. As researchers continue to explore and optimize biochar properties, the energy sector can look forward to more sustainable and efficient carbon capture solutions. The journey towards carbon neutrality is fraught with challenges, but innovations like these bring us one step closer to a greener, more sustainable future.
