Análise da eficácia do sequestro de CO2 pelo método de adsorção utilizando biomassas residuais

Abstract

Within the current context of global warming, which is heading towards something known by experts as the “Global Boiling” phase, the current environmental situation and the rampant harmful effects of atmospheric pollutants have made the issue of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and their consequences increasingly relevant. As the main culprits of global warming, the so-called GHGs are the result of natural processes, but their emissions have been alarmingly increased by human activities. These gases have the ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, which leads to global warming. CO2 is considered the main greenhouse gas due to its abundance in the atmosphere, greater concentration and persistence in the environment. In this context, this study surveyed methods capable of curbing the impacts of CO2 on the environment. It is possible to capture carbon dioxide through the processes of Absorption, using a solvent liquid, and Adsorption, using a solid surface. A critical analysis of the available literature on the adsorption method using residual biomass as a solid material to perform carbon dioxide sequestration was carried out. The use of residual biomass is influenced mainly by economic factors, but also by environmental impacts. Through a critical analysis of the literature, some types of biomass remaining from abundant fruits in Brazil were addressed, how to prepare them to become activated carbon, how to characterize them in order to compare the influence of their properties on the adsorption of carbon dioxide and how to use them correctly for this purpose. The present work compared the results obtained through the bibliographic review of studies carried out in Brazil to conclude that despite the differences between the biomasses, the preparation methods are similar and lead these raw materials, previously waste, to present desirable properties for the adsorption of atmospheric CO2, mainly under controlled operating conditions. The results of these studies were able to demonstrate the functionality of the method and the opportunity to reuse waste as raw material for high value-added processes, which would otherwise be discarded or used for a less noble purpose. The feasibility of applying this methodology, however, must take into account the cost, challenges and benefits.