Move over concrete and steel, there’s a new carbon dioxide-trapping material in town - engineered wood. Scientists at Rice University have found a way to incorporate microparticles of a metal-organic framework (MOF) called Calgary framework 20 (CALF-20) into delignified wood to create a sustainable, renewable, and stronger structural material.

The process is simple, yet effective. First, the lignin is removed through a chemical treatment, which leaves the wood colorless. Then, the delignified wood is soaked in a solution containing MOF particles, which easily fit into the cellulose channels and attach to them through favorable surface interactions. The result is a material that can absorb carbon dioxide and is more durable than untreated wood.

“Wood is a sustainable, renewable structural material that we already use extensively. Our engineered wood did exhibit greater strength than normal, untreated wood,” says materials scientist Muhammad Rahman, who led the study.

The researchers hope that this new material can help mitigate climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, as building construction and use accounts for an estimated 40% of emissions. Plus, it could be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to current structural materials. (Read more here)

“The manufacturing of structural materials such as metals or cement represents a significant source of industrial carbon emissions,” Rahman says. “Our process is simpler and ‘greener’ in terms of both substances used and processing byproducts.”

Who knew that the humble tree could be such a powerhouse in the fight against climate change? So, let’s raise a toast to the incredible properties of engineered wood, and hope that it can help us build a better and more sustainable future.

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☁️ Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS)

A Promising Solution to Climate Change, with Some Hiccups

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is a promising solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. However, the development of this technology poses significant challenges and opportunities. In this article, we take a humorous dive into the nitty-gritty of the CCS process and explore the pro's and con's of this innovative technology.

The process of carbon capture involves three primary stages: capture, transport, and storage. The three methods of carbon separation include post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion. Once CO2 is captured, it needs to be transported to a storage site using pipelines or ships, and the final stage of CCS involves storing the CO2 in a safe and secure manner.

Despite its potential to reduce carbon emissions, the development of CCS technology also presents significant challenges. The high cost of infrastructure and regulatory barriers can deter investment in CCS, while environmental concerns and limited storage capacity pose significant challenges. The integration of CCS technology with renewable energy can help to address the issue of intermittency, but it still has some hurdles to overcome.

The promising solution of CCS technology is crucial to achieving global emissions reduction targets and mitigating the harmful effects of climate change. However, the development and deployment of CCS technology are still in its early stages and require significant investment. But hey, if we can capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them safely underground or even convert them into stable minerals, we're one step closer to a cleaner future.