Graphene foam as reusable filters for CO2 and oil capture

Important results from the project

High surface area activated carbon is used both in home and industrial settings for filtration of CO2, organic vapors and residues from air and water. The main challenge is filter re-generation after saturation. This project goals target energy infrastructure in reducing its CO2 footprint and achieve filter regeneration. The goal is to validate in laboratory environment, the effectiveness of Novel Foams for a) CO2 capture with lower energy consumption and b) adsorption of reusable oils or dissolved organic molecules from industrial wastewater

Expected long term effects

We expected filters with the ability lead electric current through the membrane allowing monitoring of the adsorption and saturation of the membrane as well as allowing the release of captured material (via heating or electrochemistry). We have validated in laboratory environment, the effectiveness of Novel Foams for a) CO2 capture and b) adsorption of oils. We have also validated in lab environment that it is possible to follow the adsorption of oils by monitoring the electrical resistance of the filter, as well as regeneration by passing electrical currrent.

Approach and implementation

In this project, material was designed and validated for two application areas, namely (i) carbon dioxide capture via chemisorption with amine chemistry and (ii) removal of oils or dissolved organic molecules from industrial wastewater. RISE lead the materials design and regeneration of filters, SU lead the CO2 capture evaluation and KTH lead the water filtration evaluation.