Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Many industrial processes generate carbon dioxide as a by-product. This gas is responsible for the well-known greenhouse effect that leads to the climate change. One of the current ways to avoid CO2 release in theatmosphere is by carbon capture and storage (CCS). This process is rather costly and does not add otherbenefits to the environment. The present research proposal is about exploring an innovative way to captureCO2. The project is to combine the high gas absorbency property of biochar and the performance of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a very efficient chemical absorbent for CO2. The used biochar would be highlyappropriate for soil amendment by improving its structure, water retention, microbiological activity andexcellent source of potassium nutrient. Canadian companies involved with biomass pyrolysis for carbonfixation such as Char Technologies would be able to add value to their commercial biochar. It would become a niche product able to boost the valorization of agricultural and other biomass residues in a circular type ofeconomy. This innovative approach to CO2 capture and biomass valorization is worthy to be explored andtransferred to the industry sector. Agrinova and its pyrolysis research center would benefit from the accrued knowledge which would in turn be transferred to the community.