CARBON-CAPTURING BUILDING MATERIAL

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: An Indian student at University College London (UCL), Prantar Tamuli, has pioneered a groundbreaking construction material that could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the building industry.

EXPLANATION:

• This innovative material, known as Cyanobacterial Engineered Living Material (C-ELM), harnesses the power of living microorganisms to actively capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
• It offers a promising solution to one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Development of the Cyanobacterial Engineered Living Material (C-ELM)

• During his MSc in Bio-Integrated Design at UCL, Tamuli developed C-ELM under the guidance of his research supervisors.
• The project began during the Covid-19 lockdown in London, where Tamuli innovated new methods to culture cyanobacteria at home.
• His perseverance during these challenging times led to the creation of a material that integrates living cyanobacteria within translucent panels, which can be mounted on the interior walls of buildings.

How C-ELM Works?

• The core of C-ELM’s functionality lies in the biological processes of cyanobacteria, particularly photosynthesis.
• These microorganisms capture carbon dioxide from the air as they grow within the panels.
• Through a process called biomineralisation, the captured CO2 is converted into calcium carbonate, a stable compound that effectively traps the carbon.
• This process not only reduces atmospheric CO2 but also reinforces the structural integrity of the panels by binding with the surrounding materials.

Environmental Impact and Potential of C-ELM

• The potential environmental benefits of C-ELM are significant.
• A kilogram of this material can sequester up to 350 grams of carbon dioxide.
• In stark contrast, the same amount of traditional concrete emits approximately 500 grams of CO2.
• This comparison highlights the stark difference in the environmental impact between conventional construction materials and the innovative C-ELM.
• For instance, a building with 150 square meters of C-ELM panels could potentially sequester about one tonne of carbon dioxide, marking a significant reduction in the overall carbon footprint.
• The immense potential of this biomaterial has been emphasized.
• If scaled up and widely implemented, C-ELM could revolutionize the construction industry by turning it from a major carbon emitter into a proactive carbon sink.

Technological and Aesthetic Benefits of C-ELM

• Beyond its carbon-sequestering capabilities, C-ELM offers several other benefits for buildings.
• The panels are lightweight, which can reduce the overall structural load on buildings.
• They are also sound-absorbing, which can enhance the acoustic properties of indoor spaces.
• Additionally, the translucent nature of the panels allows light to pass through, creating a natural, soft lighting effect that can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
• The panels also provide thermal insulation, contributing to the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Inspiration and Scientific Foundation

• The inspiration for C-ELM came from studying stromatolites, ancient structures formed by algal mats.
• He focused on the cyanobacteria species Kamptonema animale, known for its ability to grow in long strands that easily bind to surrounding materials within the panels.
• The calcium carbonate produced by these cyanobacteria further strengthens and reinforces the panels, making them not only environmentally friendly but also durable and practical for construction.

Public Display and Future Prospects

• The first public display of C-ELM panels took place at the “Bioscope” pavilion in St Andrews Botanic Garden, Scotland.
• This installation was part of an exhibit showcasing low-carbon, nature-inspired construction methods designed by the collective Studio Biocene.
• The public unveiling of this technology marks a significant milestone in the journey from research to real-world application.
• To protect and commercialize this innovation, UCL’s commercialisation company, UCL Business, has filed a patent for C-ELM technology.
• This step opens the door for potential mass production and widespread use of the material in the construction industry.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-reviews/noise-n1-pro-review-9518775/