Recent research led by Emmanuel Rieborue Khama from the Nigeria Maritime University has unveiled a promising new avenue for carbon capture, harnessing the potential of activated carbon derived from ripe plantain peels. This innovative study, published in ‘Zaštita Materijala’—which translates to ‘Material Protection’—could have significant implications for the maritime sector, particularly as the industry grapples with its carbon footprint and seeks sustainable solutions.
The research dives deep into the process of creating activated carbon from plantain peels, a byproduct that typically goes to waste. By carbonizing and activating these peels with phosphoric acid, the team produced a material characterized by its unique sponge-like structure and well-defined pores. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed these intriguing features, while elemental analysis confirmed the presence of carbon, silicon, and oxygen, essential components for effective CO2 adsorption.
What stands out in this study is the ability of this activated carbon to capture carbon dioxide more efficiently at lower temperatures. Tests conducted at 27°C showed that the material performed significantly better than at 40°C, with increased pressure enhancing its CO2 capture capabilities. Khama noted, “At 27°C, PPAC exhibited superior performance… attributed to a higher-pressure drop enhancing the driving force for CO2 adsorption.” This finding could be particularly relevant for maritime operations, where temperature control can be a challenge.
The research also highlights a fascinating detail: larger particles of the activated carbon (845µm) showed a greater adsorption capacity. This is likely due to their increased surface area and better pore accessibility. For maritime industries, this means there’s potential for developing more efficient carbon capture systems that can be integrated into vessels or port facilities, ultimately leading to cleaner operations.
Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the study optimized the CO2 adsorption conditions and achieved impressive results, with an optimal value of 9.69 mmol/g at 27°C and 100 bars. The accuracy of the model was validated with a high R2 value of 0.9973, indicating that this method of optimization could be a game-changer in developing new carbon capture technologies.
The implications for commercial opportunities are vast. With the maritime sector under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and comply with international regulations, the adoption of such innovative materials could not only help in achieving compliance but also in enhancing the industry’s sustainability profile. “PPAC emerges as a promising solution for CO2 capture,” Khama stated, underscoring its potential role in mitigating emissions and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.
As the world continues to seek effective strategies to combat climate change, the findings from this research could pave the way for new commercial applications in the maritime industry, making it an exciting time for innovation and sustainability. The exploration of using agricultural waste for carbon capture not only presents an eco-friendly option but also opens avenues for cost-effective and scalable solutions that could benefit the maritime sector and beyond.
