Teesside Uni Creates Material to Capture 3.5–5m Tonnes of CO2 in UK

• The universities have developed a new, lower-cost carbon capture technology.
• CO2 can be permanently stored for years and used in soil, wetlands, bio-concrete, and bio-cement, supporting agriculture and construction works.

Teesside University, in association with the University of Edinburgh, has developed a new material called CalyChar, which can capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

This development is part of their measures to fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

What is CalyChar?

CalyChar is an advanced form of hydrochar made through a process called hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), which treats organic waste with heat and water.

The researchers added substances like amino acids and metal oxides to hydrochar to improve its ability to capture and store CO2. CalyChar can capture carbon and store it permanently for years as a stable material called carbonate.

The material could remove 3.5 to 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually in the UK and 30 million tonnes globally by 2030. This can be achieved at a cost that is much less and cheaper than the traditional direct air capture (DAC)—around £100 per tonne.

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Dr Humbul Suleman, the project lead at Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: "CalyChar represents an exciting step forward in our efforts to combat climate change. By enhancing the ability of hydrochar to capture CO2, we can develop a more cost-effective and long-lasting solution for reducing carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere."

Large companies and governments across the globe are expediting their actions to limit global warming to 2°C, and the development of CalyChar is a more affordable, scalable, and long-term solution to get to net zero emissions.

Professor Ond?ej Mašek from the UK Biochar Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences, said: "The integration of advanced materials like CalyChar into climate solutions is vital if we are to meet ambitious net-zero targets.

"At the University of Edinburgh, we are excited to apply our expertise in biochar technology to help optimise the carbon capture potential of this material. Together with Teesside University, we are exploring ways to accelerate its deployment in real-world applications, from soil enrichment to sustainable construction."

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Source: Teesside University