Teesside and Edinburgh universities develop new carbon capture material

The new material, known as CalyChar, is an advanced form of hydrochar, a charcoal material produced by using heat and water to treat organic/biological waste in a process known as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

“CalyChar represents an exciting step forward in our efforts to combat climate change. By increasing hydrochar’s ability to capture CO2, we can develop a more cost-effective and durable solution to reduce carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere,” says Dr Khambul Suleman from Teesside University (pictured).

By combining hydrochar with materials such as amino acids and metal oxides to create CalyChar, the researchers aim to overcome the material’s traditional limitations in capturing CO2. In doing so, they aim to create a functionalized material that can directly capture CO2 for many years after carbonization and permanently store it as a stable carbonate.

The project will also examine the environmental impact of adding carbonated material to soils and wetlands, with expert support from the River Tees Trust, the river habitat conservation body in the north-east of England.

In addition, CalyChar can be used in bioconcrete and biocement, providing long-term carbon storage while creating jobs and stimulating growth in construction and agriculture. As pressure to limit global warming to 2°C intensifies, removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere is more important than ever, a point highlighted in press statements at this year’s COP29 climate change conference.

“Together with Teesside University, we are exploring ways to speed up its implementation in real-world settings, from soil enrichment to sustainable construction,” says Professor Onday Maszek from the University of Edinburgh.

The project is funded through the Centre’s CO2RE Greenhouse Gas Removal Pathfinders III programme, which is part of UKRI’s efforts to take an important step towards achieving net zero emissions and benefit from the future £400 billion global greenhouse gas removal market sterling.