Evaluation of ultrasonic modified biochar for CO2 capture

Overview

Key Features

Applicants interested in other research topics related to functional materials, climate change mitigation technologies, and decarbonization technologies, are also welcome to apply.

For the international community to meet the goal of the Paris Agreement, namely holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, some large-scale deploy¬ment of negative emissions technologies (NETs) is likely to be needed. Biochar itself is a solid carbon-rich material obtained from the heating of biomass in the (near) absence of oxygen, in a process called pyrolysis. 

‘Biochar system’ (BS) refers to the produc¬tion-use cycle in which biochar is first obtained from biomass through pyrolysis and, then, is used for improving agricultural soil or for any other purpose that does not result in GHG emissions. As this cycle results in the long-term removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, the BS is considered a NET. It has been revealed that biochar holds tremendous potential for CO2 sequestration due to its diverse surface chemistry. 

In this regard, multiple methods have been employed to alter biochar for the best possible results including different physical and chemical modifications. Ultrasound treatment of biochar has recently been explored for modification of biochar towards higher CO2 adsorption. The topic falls into the national and European priorities to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate climate change effects.

The selected candidate of the Evaluation of ultrasonic modified biochar for CO2 capture programme from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. dr. Edita Baltrėnaitė-Gedienė The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships in the other universities.