New material could capture millions of tonnes of atmospheric carbon

The material, which is being developed in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Edinburgh, has the potential to capture 3.5–5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the UK and nearly 30 million tonnes of CO₂ globally per year by 2030, at a cost of around £100 per tonne CO₂ – considerably less than current direct air capture (DAC) technologies.

As the urgency to limit global warming to 2°C intensifies, removing greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the atmosphere is more crucial than ever and emphasized as essential in the press statements from this year’s COP29 climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Enter CalyChar

Known as CalyChar, the new material is an advanced form of hydrochar, a charcoal-like material formed by treating organic/biowaste using heat and water in a process known as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

By combining hydrochar with materials like amino acids and metal oxides to create CalyChar the researchers aim to overcome the material’s traditional limitations in CO₂ capture.

In doing so, they aim to create a functionalized material that can directly capture CO₂ for years and, once fully carbonized, permanently store it as a stable carbonate.

CalyChar represents an exciting step forward in our efforts to combat climate change. By enhancing the ability of hydrochar to capture CO₂, we can develop a more cost-effective and long-lasting solution for reducing carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere, said Dr Humbul Suleman, the project lead and a Senior Lecturer at Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.

Explore additional uses

The project will also explore the environmental impact of adding carbonized material to soils and wetlands, with expert support from the Tees River Trust, a river habitat conservation body in North East England.

Additionally, CalyChar could be used in bio-concrete and bio-cement, offering long-term carbon storage while creating jobs and driving growth in construction and agriculture.

The integration of advanced materials like CalyChar into climate solutions is vital if we are to meet ambitious net-zero targets. At the University of Edinburgh, we are excited to apply our expertise in biochar technology to help optimize the carbon capture potential of this material. Together with Teesside University, we are exploring ways to accelerate its deployment in real-world applications, from soil enrichment to sustainable construction, said Professor Ondřej Mašek from the UK Biochar Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences.

The project has been funded by CO2RE, the Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub’s Pathfinders III scheme, part of UKRI’s effort to drive a major step towards achieving net zero emissions and to benefit from the £400 billion future global market in greenhouse gas (GHG) removal.

With technological synergy at its core, the project aims to amplify capabilities, drive sustainable innovation, and positively support the UK’s climate goals. As the world faces the growing challenge of climate change, initiatives like CalyChar offer hope for a cleaner, greener future, said Paul Rouse, the fund manager.