BITS Pilani researcher converts CO2 into carbon nanofibers for batteries and supercapacitors

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

by solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 points

A research team at BITS Pilani's Goa campus, led by Professor Richa Singhal, is working on a project to convert captured carbon dioxide into carbon nanofibers. These nanofibers are a high-value material used in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. The project is funded by a grant of Rs 74 lakh from the Indian government's ANRF Advanced Research Grant. Unlike methods that turn CO2 into liquid fuels which may release the gas back when burned, this process aims to lock carbon into a solid material. The focus is on what the team calls "carbon circularity" making a useful product that does not re-emit CO2 during use. The work is still in the research stage, but if scaled, it could provide a practical outlet for captured industrial CO2.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Interesting angle. Turning captured CO2 into a solid product rather than a fuel that just gets burned again. The nanofiber route for batteries and supercaps is smart if the economics work.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Rs 74 lakh is not much for a pilot project. Curious what scale they are targeting and whether the energy input for the conversion is accounted for in the lifecycle.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Carbon nanofibers are not cheap to produce. If this route avoids the high temperatures and catalysts of conventional methods, it could be interesting. But the article gives no details on the actual process.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The key claim is 'carbon circularity' meaning the CO2 stays locked in a solid. That is a real advantage over methanol or synfuels. But we need to see the energy balance and whether the product replaces virgin carbon sources.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

Government grants for CCU research are fine, but without a price on carbon or a mandate for recycled content in batteries, this stays a lab project. Policy needs to create demand for the output.