Researchers from the UAE University obtain a patent for capturing carbon dioxide
Al Ain, December 15, WAM / Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have obtained a US patent for a pioneering technology that transforms industrial waste into an effective and low-cost tool to capture and permanently store carbon dioxide, a development that contributes to strengthening global efforts to confront climate change.
The innovation, led by Dr. Ashraf Ali Hassan, uses industrial carbide waste, a common byproduct in industries, to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into stable calcium carbonate without the need for any additional chemicals or energy.
The process relies only on water and takes place at room temperature, which makes it environmentally friendly and economical at the same time.
According to the research team, which includes researchers specializing in building materials: Dr. Hilal Al-Hassan and Dr. Amr Al-Deeb, along with doctoral researcher Manisha Kothari, one ton of carbide waste can absorb half a ton of carbon dioxide and produce 1.5 tons of calcium carbonate.
The resulting material can be used as a substitute for limestone or incorporated into cement, providing additional value to industrial producers.
The project was originally inspired by a sustainability challenge posed by Gulf Cryo, which was looking for a solution to the large amounts of industrial carbide waste generated from its operations. By identifying the high lime content in this waste, the UAEU team was able to take advantage of its natural suitability for the mineral carbonization process, one of the most permanent methods of storing carbon dioxide.
The patent reflects the university’s growing research capabilities and its compatibility with the country’s strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The project was supported by internal research funding, embodying the university’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent.
In the next phase, the researchers plan to work with industrial partners, including ADNOC, to expand the scope of this technology and test its application in real industrial environments.
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