Chemists at the University of Copenhagen have discovered an innovative way to transform plastic waste into an efficient and sustainable solution for CO₂ capture, addressing two major global challenges: plastic pollution and the climate crisis.
The findings were published in Science Advances. As global CO₂ levels continue to rise despite years of efforts to curb emissions, the oceans are drowning in plastic waste, harming marine ecosystems. While these issues are often linked, the new method developed by the Copenhagen scientists offers a dual solution.
The process upcycles polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste, one of the most commonly used plastics, into a new material capable of capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Once discarded, PET plastic poses a significant environmental threat, breaking down into microplastics that pollute land and water.
Margarita Poderyte, lead author of the study and researcher at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Chemistry said that, “The beauty of this method is that we solve a problem without creating a new one. By turning plastic waste into a raw material that can actively reduce greenhouse gases, we make an environmental issue part of the solution to the climate crisis.”
This technique not only prevents PET plastic from polluting the environment but also transforms it into a CO₂ sorbent material, named BAETA, which effectively absorbs carbon dioxide. The material compares favorably with existing carbon capture technologies.
Sustainable and Scalable Solution with plastic wastes
BAETA, a powdery substance with an upgraded surface, is designed to bind CO₂ efficiently. The captured carbon can be released through a heating process, allowing it to be stored or converted into a sustainable resource. The researchers anticipate that the technology could be applied to industrial plants, where exhaust gases pass through BAETA units to cleanse them of CO₂.
The main ingredient in the process is plastic waste, which would typically have an unsustainable end life. Unlike other CO₂ capture methods, this process operates at ambient temperatures, making it more energy-efficient and easier to scale up. The material’s durability and flexibility are key advantages, as it remains effective at temperatures up to 150°C, making it suitable for high-temperature industrial applications.
Towards Industrial Adoption
The next step for the researchers is scaling up production to meet industrial needs. The researchers see significant potential for the material in real-world carbon capture plants. They are currently focused on attracting investments to make the invention a financially sustainable business venture. The researchers are also optimistic about using decomposed PET plastic from the oceans as a valuable resource for their upcycling process.
Jiwoong Lee, co-author of the study, highlighted that this material has the potential to fundamentally change how environmental issues are addressed. He also emphasized that the technology provides a clear economic incentive to both clean up the oceans and combat the climate crisis.
