Sponge-like pellets could prevent CO₂ from entering the atmosphere

Sponge-like pellets may hold the key to preventing CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, supporting future net zero ambitions, a new report from the University of Nottingham explains. 

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial processes is a necessary step to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the severe impacts of climate change.

The study, published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, explored the use of novel sponge-like materials which can trap CO2, preventing it from entering the atmosphere from sources such as power plants.

These advanced materials are known as magnetic framework composites (MFCs), which combine two components: porous materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that trap CO₂, and magnetic nanoparticles, which allow the material to be heated efficiently using magnetic fields to release the captured gas for storage or further use.

Until now, the focus of research on these materials has been on their powder form, which isn’t practical for real-world applications. To address this, the researchers in this study developed a method to shape the MFC powders into small, strong pellets using different polymer binders. They then tested how these different formulations affected the material’s ability to absorb CO₂, its strength, and its heat transfer properties.

The results showed that some binders, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), substantially increased the mechanical strength of the pellets, with just 4% binder resulting in 107% increase in pellet strength. The inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles was also found to significantly improve how well the materials can transfer heat, which is important for making the CO₂ capture and release process more energy efficient.

This work is an important step toward making these materials suitable for large-scale CO₂ capture technologies, helping to reduce industrial carbon emissions and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

This exciting research brings us closer to developing scalable, energy-efficient carbon capture technologies. By improving the strength and thermal performance of these materials, we’re opening up routes for their use in industrial applications, helping to prevent CO₂ emissions at source.” – Dr Luke Woodliffe, Research Fellow in Complex Hydrides.

Contact

Dr Luke Woodliffe
E-Mail: Luke.Woodliffe1@nottingham.ac.uk

About the University of Nottingham

Ranked 24 in Europe and 15th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia – part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.

Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024– the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.

The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovationstransform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The university is a major employer and industry partner – locally and globally – and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK’s top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.

We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.

Source

University of Nottingham, press release, 2025-05-13.

Supplier

University of Nottingham

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