Highly Porous Carbons Production from Decayed Forest Woods
Research Poster Engineering 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by MARVELLOUS FALUYI
Exhibition Number 114
Abstract
The widespread availability of biomass offers a promising pathway for the sustainable production of cost-effective carbon materials. In recent years, forests have suffered significant damage due to climate change, leading to increased decomposition by fungi and other microorganisms. With the rise of environmental challenges such as global warming from fossil fuel use and water pollution, carbon materials have emerged as a viable solution, serving as catalysts for biofuel production and wastewater treatment. However, it is necessary to increase its stability and optimize the surface chemistry and consistent quality. This study explores synthesizing high-performance carbon materials from decayed forest wood for potential applications in carbon capture, hydrogen production, and wastewater treatment. The research will optimize this process by investigating varying pyrolysis conditions, including temperature, heating rate, and duration, to enhance carbonization efficiency and material properties. As an ongoing study, the findings will contribute to sustainable waste utilization and provide insights into developing eco-friendly carbon materials with broad industrial and environmental applications.
Importance
There is an urgent need for sustainable solutions to the increasing environmental challenges of climate change, fossil fuel dependence, and water pollution. In 2024, the global average temperature was 1.6°C warmer than the pre-industrial level. In recent years, carbon materials have demonstrated exceptional potential in addressing these issues. They have shown promise in biofuel production to replace fossil fuels, carbon capture, and wastewater treatment. However, these materials need to be improved to increase their efficiency, search for other sustainable sources, and reduce production costs. This research is essential to increase carbon materials sustainability by utilizing forest-based woody biomass waste and efficiency by improving conditions. This work will also advance a circular economy and significantly contribute to scientific progress and environmental sustainability.
DEI Statement
This research embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion by researching solutions to global environmental challenges that affects all communities. Climate change and pollution have disproportionate effects on marginalized populations and this study seeks to contribute potential solutions for this. The success of this research will also lead to job creation for diverse populations through the utilization of forest wastes to develop eco-friendly carbon materials. Furthermore, this research will integrate knowledge from various fields and results will be made available to a broad audience. This research not only advances scientific innovation but also promotes environmental justice and sustainable future development.