FURI | Fall 2020

Evaluation of Algae-Derived Carbon Adsorbents for Direct CO2 Capture from Ambient Air

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One potential solution to the looming threat of radical global warming is carbon capture with algae-derived carbon adsorbents because of their low production cost. After algae-derived carbon adsorbents have been synthesized, they will be evaluated for their pore textual properties before being pelletized for use in column breakthrough experiments. Once pelletized, their CO2 and N2 adsorption performances in both batch and dynamic columns will be analyzed. The analysis done following experimentation will determine if algae-derived carbon adsorbents can be a broad solution to reducing carbon emissions or if they will remain viable only under certain conditions.

Student researcher

Trevor Lee Ciha

Chemical engineering

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

Graduation date: Spring 2021