Utilising Non-Recyclable Waste for Effective Carbon Capture

The growing energy demand due to population expansion has significantly increased fossil fuel consumption, elevating atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. This rise is a key contributor to climate change, global warming, and ocean acidification, posing threats to ecosystems worldwide. Elevated CO2 leads to severe weather events, rising temperatures, and disruptions in marine life.

To address these challenges, converting non-recyclable solid waste into energy through methods like gasification offers a dual benefit: it reduces landfill usage while promoting CO2 adsorption. Solutions such as Subcoal, a biomass fuel derived from this waste, not only provide sustainable energy alternatives but also enhance CO2 capture, supporting net-zero goals.

Additionally, research on carbon adsorbents primarily focuses on biochar made from wood waste, agricultural residues, animal manure, and aquatic plants. Many of these biomass sources have minimal environmental impact and can serve beneficial roles, including animal feed, fertilizers, and environmental remediation, further emphasizing the advantages of reusing non-recyclable waste for carbon dioxide capture.

This PhD aims to produce biochar with defined pore structure and large surface area from Subcoal (non-recyclable paper and plastic) by thermochemical conversion for CO2 adsorption. The Subcoal biochar surface functional groups and CO2 adsorption capacity will be optimized by activation and functionalization to increase the physicochemical adsorption. The biochar will be obtained from Subcoal pyrolysis as a cost-effective and renewable adsorbent.

Regarding collaborating, the Subcoal biomass is supplied by N+P Group, a waste-derived alternative fuel production company.

The project envisions to a several outputs, including the development and demonstration of a biochar by pyrolysis using Subcoal biomass to design an innovative carbon adsorbent material for CO2 capture. Research findings will be shared through peer-reviewed publications, while research progress will be conveyed through conferences and workshops. Engagement with a variety of audiences: industry, academia and public will assist with the creation of new carbon capture projects utilizing functionalized biochars.

This project has no ethics considerations. Ethical forms and Risk assessments will be conducted, submitted and reviewed before commencing the experimental research following the University of Hull guidelines.