Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Sponge-like pellets may hold the key to preventing CO鈧� from entering the atmosphere, supporting future net zero ambitions, a new report from the 糖心原创 explains.
Capturing carbon dioxide (CO鈧�) from industrial processes is a necessary step to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the severe impacts of climate change.
The study, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, explored the use of novel sponge-like materials which can trap CO2, preventing it from entering the atmosphere from sources such as power plants.
These advanced materials are known as magnetic framework composites (MFCs), which combine two components: porous materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that trap CO鈧�, and magnetic nanoparticles, which allow the material to be heated efficiently using magnetic fields to release the captured gas for storage or further use.
Until now, the focus of research on these materials has been on their powder form, which isn't practical for real-world applications. To address this, the researchers in this study developed a method to shape the MFC powders into small, strong pellets using different polymer binders. They then tested how these different formulations affected the material’s ability to absorb CO鈧�, its strength, and its heat transfer properties.
The results showed that some binders, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), substantially increased the mechanical strength of the pellets, with just 4% binder resulting in 107% increase in pellet strength. The inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles was also found to significantly improve how well the materials can transfer heat, which is important for making the CO鈧� capture and release process more energy efficient.
This work is an important step toward making these materials suitable for large-scale CO鈧� capture technologies, helping to reduce industrial carbon emissions and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
This exciting research brings us closer to developing scalable, energy-efficient carbon capture technologies. By improving the strength and thermal performance of these materials, we鈥檙e opening up routes for their use in industrial applications, helping to prevent CO鈧� emissions at source.鈥�
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More information is available from Dr Luke Woodliffe on Luke.Woodliffe1@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.