Science in Action #04: From Air to Impact—Soukaina Lamnini’s Innovative Breakthrough in Sustainable CO₂ Capture Technology

Dr. Soukaina Lamnini, a scientist at the MSN Department of UM6P, specializes in developing sustainable porous materials for CO₂ capture. Her research focuses on using low-cost raw materials and industrial waste to address environmental challenges. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science from Óbuda University in 2020, graduating “Summa Cum Laude.”

Dr. Lamnini is a member of the Gas Capture & Utilization Group, led by Pr. Johan Jacquemin at MSN. Before joining UM6P, Dr. Lamnini worked on the NewSoc project at Politecnico di Torino, enhancing Solid Oxide Cells. With expertise in 3D printing and sustainable material development, she is committed to advancing innovative solutions for climate change. Through her teaching, she also shapes future scientists in the field of material science.

Discover Soukaina Lamnini’s Biography. Learn more about her background, research expertise, and pioneering contributions to sustainable CO₂ capture solutions. Read more here.

How Does This Work?

Cellulose, a plant-based natural material, is inexpensive, abundant, and biodegradable. Researchers have improved its CO₂ capture efficiency by chemically modifying it in two major ways.

First, they apply phosphorylation, which involves attaching phosphate groups to cellulose. This modification increases its affinity towards CO₂ molecules, making it more efficient in capturing them from the atmosphere.

Second, they dope the cellulose with polyethyleneimine (PEI functionalization), a polymer known for its high affinity to bind CO₂. By combining phosphorylation with PEI functionalization, the researchers have developed a material that can effectively capture CO₂ without becoming unstable in humid conditions. The structure of the modified cellulose forms a porous network that allows air to pass through while ensuring maximum interaction between CO₂ molecules and capture sites. This makes the material highly effective, even at low CO₂ concentrations found in the atmosphere.

Why Is This Important?

Current CO₂ capture methods are generally energy-consuming and expensive. They also lose efficiency over time. The new cellulose-based technology offers several advantages.

It is low-cost, since it uses readily available natural substances. It is efficient, functioning well even in humid conditions, unlike most conventional CO₂ capture materials. It is also energy-efficient, requiring much lower temperatures to release captured CO₂ than traditional methods.

This technology aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable carbon capture solutions. Unlike traditional CO₂ scrubbing systems, which need a lot of infrastructure and energy, the cellulose-based process can be adapted for various applications, from industrial carbon capture to urban air purification

Key Results

Experiments have confirmed that modified cellulose is significantly more effective at capturing CO₂ than untreated cellulose:

The new cellulose-based material can adsorb 0.7–0.9 mmol of CO₂ per gram, compared to just 0.07–0.3 mmol per gram for ordinary cellulose.

Unlike most CO₂ capture materials, this one is water-friendly. Water enhances rather than interferes with CO₂ adsorption.

The captured CO₂ can be released at 50–110°C, making the process far more energy-efficient compared to conventional methods, which require temperatures around 900°C.

The material remains structurally stable, meaning it can be reused multiple times without breaking down.

A Sustainable Alternative

The atmospheric CO₂ concentration has risen from 270 ppm before the Industrial Revolution to over 420 ppm today. This increase is a major driver of climate change, making carbon capture technologies more important than ever.

Traditional DAC technologies are often expensive and energy-intensive, but cellulose-based materials offer a promising alternative. They can be easily produced on a large scale using existing paper-making processes. They are also biodegradable, plant-derived, and more sustainable. Additionally, they require less energy to regenerate, making them a more eco-friendly CO₂ capture option.

Another major benefit is that these materials can be integrated into existing industrial processes or used in standalone CO₂-capturing units. This makes them adaptable for multiple applications, from reducing emissions in power plants to lowering CO₂ levels indoors.

Industrial Use and Future Possibilities

Several companies, including Climeworks (Switzerland), Carbon Engineering (Canada), and Global Thermostat (USA), are leading CO₂ capture efforts on an industrial scale. The introduction of cellulose-based adsorbents into these technologies could help lower costs and increase sustainability, making large-scale CO₂ removal more economically viable. Governments and environmental organizations are also supporting sustainable carbon capture solutions, making it financially attractive for industries to implement bio-based technology, such as cellulose-based CO₂ adsorbent