Sustainable management of atmospheric CO2 through cellulosic wastes: Direct air capture and utilization.
Researcher
Dr. Zahra Eshaghi Gorji, Post-doctoral researcher, University of Helsinki
Supervisor:
Prof. Timo Repo, Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki
Sustainable management of atmospheric CO2 through cellulosic wastes: Direct air capture and utilization.
Description of project:
Imagine a future where wood waste helps clean our atmosphere and combat climate change. Our project brings this vision to life by transforming cellulosic waste into materials that can capture CO₂ directly from the air, then convert it into fuels or useful chemicals. As global CO₂ levels reach a record 427 ppm, the consequences are becoming undeniable, climate change, global warming, more frequent natural disasters, and increasingly acidic oceans. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an emerging technology that addresses this challenge by removing CO₂ straight from the atmosphere. However, the extremely low concentration of CO₂ in the air makes this process difficult, especially for many existing materials.
Our approach focuses on developing sustainable sorbents from cellulosic waste, natural materials that are stable, abundant, and renewable. Since cellulose is rich in surface functional groups and has a three-dimensional open network structure with a high aspect ratio, it can be used to anchor chemical functionalities. These cellulose-based materials not only provide a greener alternative but also help reduce waste, offering a powerful example of circular economy in action. By unlocking the hidden potential of wood waste, we aim to deliver both environmental and economic benefits, and take one meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.