University of Sharjah researchers have patented a pioneering process that transforms coffee grounds and plastic waste into efficient carbon capture adsorbents. This could contribute to a sustainable solution to industrial CO₂ emissions.
Researchers at the University of Sharjah have secured a significant patent for an innovative carbon capture technology designed to intercept carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources before they escape into the atmosphere.
This breakthrough technology leverages a unique process that repurposes two common waste products – spent coffee grounds (SCG) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used consumer plastic. They form a highly effective adsorbent material for CO₂ capture. Employing potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a chemical activator, the process synthesizes activated carbon with a porous structure capable of efficiently binding CO₂ molecules, showcasing a dual environmental benefit by addressing both greenhouse gas emissions and waste management.
The patented method, filed in March this year and published more recently, utilises a co-pyrolysis technique where SCG and PET undergo thermal treatment alongside KOH at controlled temperatures, notably below 700°C.
This eco-friendly activation temperature produces activated carbon that demonstrates a remarkable CO₂ adsorption capacity, exceeding 8 mmol per gram at 0°C and 1 bar pressure, according to the detailed specifications in the patent document. This level of performance positions the technology as a promising candidate for industrial application, offering an efficient tool to help reduce CO₂ outputs from sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise.
One of the underlying strengths of this innovation lies in its circular economy approach. Globally, approximately eight million tons of spent coffee grounds are discarded annually, mostly ending up in landfills where they generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By converting this abundant waste into a valuable resource, the technology not only mitigates landfill emissions but also substitutes raw materials that would otherwise require fresh extraction. Alongside the recycling of PET plastic waste, the approach encapsulates an integrated solution where environment-friendly carbon capture meets sustainable waste valorisation.
Dr Haif Aljomard, lead inventor of the technology, highlighted the transformative potential of turning everyday waste, such as a Starbucks coffee cup or a discarded plastic bottle, into a critical asset for climate change mitigation. His vision extends beyond emissions reduction to embracing a model where industrial by-products and waste streams are reimagined as inputs in a sustainable cycle.
Professor Chaouki Ghenai, a co-inventor noted for his expertise in sustainable energy, underscored the economic and social benefits of the method, which offers a low-cost alternative due to the widespread availability and affordability of its raw materials, making it accessible for various industries worldwide.
The versatility of the activated carbon produced through this process is significant. Beyond CO₂ capture, its high surface area and efficiency make it suitable for applications in water purification, air filtration, chemical processing, and energy systems. Particularly, industries facing stricter environmental regulations could deploy this technology to manage exhaust gases from fossil fuel combustion or waste incineration, thereby achieving compliance while lowering operational costs.
As the urgency to address climate change intensifies with rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, innovations like this patented technology provide hopeful pathways. They extend the toolkit for industrial decarbonisation by coupling technological advancement with practical sustainability measures. Researchers at the University of Sharjah anticipate that the implementation of their method will enhance environmental protection efforts by not only improving air and water quality but also significantly reducing industrial carbon footprints.
Looking towards the future, the collaboration between academic researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers will be essential to scale such technologies effectively. The promising economic viability and ecological benefits make this innovation a strong candidate for wide adoption, potentially contributing substantively to global climate goals.
