Sustainable CO₂ capture in lawns and gardens using rha-derived zeolites
Transform urban green spaces into carbon sinks with zeolites synthesized from rice husk ash (RHA). This sustainable, low-cost solution enhances CO₂ capture, soil fertility, and moisture retention in lawns and gardens, integrating agricultural waste into the environment.
Overview
This innovative solution utilizes zeolites synthesized from rice husk ash (RHA) to enhance carbon capture and storage (CCS) in lawns and gardens. By converting agricultural waste into functional materials, this technology offers a sustainable and circular approach to environmental management. The RHA-derived zeolites, rich in silica, provide a high surface area and ion-exchange capacity, enabling them to adsorb CO₂ effectively from the air and water. This process not only aids in the formation of carbonate minerals like calcium and magnesium carbonates but also improves soil fertility and moisture retention, supporting beneficial microbial activity and plant growth.
Technical specifications
- Material synthesis: RHA is transformed into porous zeolitic materials via hydrothermal methods, characterized by XRD, BET, and FTIR analyses.
- Functionality: High surface area and ion-exchange properties of zeolites promote CO₂ adsorption and carbonate mineralization.
- Soil integration: When mixed with turf, zeolites enhance pH balance, moisture and nutrient retention, and soil health.
- Field applications: Suitable for lawns and gardens, turning them into distributed carbon sinks without altering existing landscaping practices.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 5, having completed lab-scale synthesis and initial soil integration tests. Upcoming phases include field validation through pilot trials and a scale-up assessment to evaluate its techno-economic feasibility and environmental impact.
About Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
Unisinos is a large, private Jesuit university in southern Brazil, with campuses in São Leopoldo and Porto Alegre and a broad academic and research profile. Its main campus offers substantial laboratory infrastructure and is co-located with Tecnosinos, a technology park that connects companies, startups, government, and university capabilities. Through the Portal de Inovação, Unitec incubator, technological institutes, and technology-transfer function, Unisinos supports applied research, technical services, partnerships, incubation, and commercialization. Research is supported by national agencies including CAPES, CNPq, and FINEP, alongside institutional and state-level sources.
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