Researchers Develop Technology That Transforms Used Coffee Grounds And Plastic Bottles Into Carbon Dioxide Capture Material – CoffeeTalk

Researchers at the University of Sharjah have developed a patented technology that transforms used coffee grounds and plastic bottles into an advanced carbon material capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) before it enters the atmosphere. This innovation addresses global warming, which is exacerbated by emissions from factories, vehicles, and electricity generation. Unlike traditional carbon capture methods that rely on costly materials or energy-intensive processes, this new technology utilizes abundant waste materials and operates on low-energy production methods.

Each year, over 8 million tonnes of used coffee grounds decompose in landfills, releasing methane and greenhouse gases, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from food packaging and bottles also contributes to environmental waste. The researchers’ process gives both coffee grounds and PET a new lease on life, converting them into activated carbon—a porous substance with a high affinity for CO₂ by combining them with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and heating below 700°C.

This unique technique employs co-pyrolysis, a thermal process that effectively breaks down both organic and plastic materials at lower temperatures than traditional methods, which typically exceed 800°C. By achieving an ideal mixture ratio of coffee to PET, the resulting activated carbon has significantly increased porosity, enhancing its performance in CO₂ capture. This carbon is capable of absorbing over 8 millimoles of CO₂ per gram under standard conditions, outpacing current materials, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications focused on sustainability and affordability.

Professor Chaouki Ghenai emphasized the economic, social, and environmental benefits of this circular approach, pointing out that it prevents landfill waste while adding value by transforming it into a high-quality industrial material. While the patent focuses primarily on CO₂ capture, the activated carbon’s properties lend themselves to a wide array of applications across multiple industries, including clean energy, water purification, and air filtration.

The research findings suggest that this technology could redefine industrial practices related to waste management and emissions treatment. With an application filed in March 2025, researchers are optimistic about transitioning to commercial scale, leveraging inexpensive raw materials that are widely available in regions with high coffee consumption. Ultimately, the promise of this technology lies in its potential to foster sustainable manufacturing, facilitate cleaner air, and turn everyday waste into instrumental components for a healthier environment.

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