The two-year research project is being carried out by the Department of Conversion Technologies of Renewable Resources at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart and Carbonauten GmbH.
This company has developed technology for producing activated carbon from biomass, permanently extracting CO2 from the atmosphere and producing a surplus of renewable energy. In the joint research project, a compact and affordable installation module is being developed for this purpose. It will enable decentralised production from regionally produced biomass residues. This prevents long transport distances and can create new sources of income in rural areas.
Activated carbon is a widely used adsorbent for chemicals and pharmaceuticals, wastewater and exhaust gas treatment or air conditioning technology.China is the world’s largest producer, but uses large amounts of fossil raw materials and non-renewable energy. “We are convinced that with our system this can be done in a more ecologically sustainable and economical way,” says Torsten Becker, Managing Director of Carbonauten. “When bioactive carbon is produced, the carbon from the biomass is taken out of the carbon cycle for a long time. Replacing fossil activated carbon saves CO2 emissions and avoids environmental problems in production.”
The University of Hohenheim has many years of experience in the production of activated carbon and high-performance carbons. “We would like to put this knowledge into practice,” says Prof. Dr. Andrea Kruse from the Department of Conversion Technologies of Renewable Resources.
Image: carbonauten
