Journal of Advanced Chemical Engineering

Innovations in Bio-Based Materials for Carbon Capture and Storage

Liam Foster^* Department of Environmental Science, Westwood University, Bristol, United Kingdom
^*Correspondence: Liam Foster, Department of Environmental Science, Westwood University, Bristol, United Kingdom, Email:

Received: 27-Aug-2025 Editor assigned: 29-Aug-2025 Reviewed: 12-Sep-2025 Revised: 19-Sep-2025 Published: 30-Sep-2025, DOI: 10.35248/2090-4568.25.15.383

Description

The escalating levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have driven a growing interest in technologies that can effectively capture and store this greenhouse gas. Among various strategies, materials derived from biomass are attracting significant attention due to their sustainability and potential to provide environmentally friendly solutions. Utilizing bio-based carbon capture materials offers an alternative to traditional synthetic options, aligning with efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize ecological impacts [1].

Carbon capture involves the removal of COâ?? from the atmosphere or industrial emissions, followed by storage or conversion to prevent its release into the environment. Materials designed for this purpose must possess properties that allow them to selectively adsorb carbon dioxide, maintain stability under operational conditions, and allow regeneration for repeated use [2]. Bio-based materials, sourced from plants, agricultural residues, and other organic waste, are increasingly explored due to their renewability and often lower environmental footprint [3].

One category of bio-derived materials includes activated carbons produced from lignocellulosic biomass. These materials are created through thermal treatment and chemical activation processes that develop porous structures with high surface area. The pores provide numerous sites for COâ?? molecules to adhere, enhancing adsorption capacity. Activated carbons derived from sources such as coconut shells, wood chips, and crop residues have demonstrated competitive performance in carbon capture applications.

Modifications to the surface chemistry of these carbons can improve their affinity for carbon dioxide. Introducing nitrogencontaining groups or functionalizing the surface with amine compounds enhances interactions with COâ?? through chemical adsorption, which is typically stronger than physical adsorption. These modifications increase selectivity and capacity, making the materials more efficient at capturing carbon even at low concentrations [4].

Biochars, produced by pyrolyzing biomass under limited oxygen conditions, also serve as potential carbon capture materials. Their structure varies depending on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, allowing customization of properties like porosity and surface functional groups. Biochars offer the additional benefit of long-term carbon sequestration when applied to soils, contributing to both capture and storage functions [5].

Beyond carbon-based materials, researchers are investigating natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and alginate for carbon capture. These polymers can be chemically modified or combined with other materials to create composites that exhibit selective adsorption. For example, cellulose nanofibers functionalized with amine groups have shown capacity to capture COâ?? efficiently. These polymers are biodegradable and sourced from abundant renewable materials, adding to their appeal.

The design of bio-based carbon capture materials also considers regeneration energy, a factor critical for practical implementation. Materials that require less energy to release captured COâ?? and restore adsorption sites reduce operational costs and environmental impact [6,7]. Some bio-based adsorbents demonstrate favorable regeneration characteristics compared to conventional materials, providing advantages in continuous operation.

In addition to physical and chemical properties, mechanical stability and resistance to moisture and impurities are important. Industrial and atmospheric environments contain various contaminants that can affect material performance. Bio-derived materials often exhibit resilience in these conditions or can be engineered to maintain functionality, ensuring consistent capture efficiency over time [8].

Composite materials combining bio-based components with inorganic materials have emerged as a strategy to enhance performance. Incorporating Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) or zeolites into biopolymer matrices improves selectivity and capacity while maintaining flexibility and sustainability. These hybrid materials benefit from the structural advantages of bio- based substrates and the precise adsorption characteristics of inorganic components.

Scaling production of bio-based carbon capture materials is a focus of current efforts. The abundance of biomass feedstocks globally provides a sustainable supply, while advancements in processing techniques improve yields and consistency [9]. Utilizing agricultural and forestry residues not only supports carbon capture goals but also promotes waste valorization and circular economy principles.

Environmental impact assessments suggest that bio-based materials contribute to lower life-cycle emissions compared to synthetic counterparts. Their renewability, potential for biodegradability, and lower energy requirements in production and regeneration contribute to improved sustainability profiles. This aligns with increasing policy and market demands for greener solutions in industrial processes.

Integration of these materials into carbon capture systems involves adapting existing technologies such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) or Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA). The compatibility of bio-based materials with these methods facilitates their adoption without extensive redesign of infrastructure. Continuous improvements in material properties further enhance system performance and reliability.

Collaborative research combining material science, chemical engineering, and environmental studies accelerates progress in this field. Computational modeling supports the prediction of adsorption behavior and guides experimental design, enabling efficient identification of promising bio-based candidates. Field trials and pilot projects validate laboratory findings and provide insights into real-world application challenges [10].

Bio-based carbon capture materials also contribute to broader climate strategies. By capturing atmospheric COâ?? or emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, they play a role in mitigating climate change effects. When coupled with carbon storage or utilization methods, they form part of integrated approaches to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of materials derived from biomass for carbon capture and storage presents a sustainable and practical approach to address rising atmospheric COâ?? levels. Their renewable origin, combined with evolving functional properties, supports effective adsorption and regeneration. Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to improve their performance, scalability, and integration into existing systems. These efforts align with global environmental objectives and highlight the potential of bio-based solutions in advancing carbon management technologies.

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