CO2mposite: Recycling of CO2, Carbon Fiber Waste, and Biomaterials into Composite Panels for Lower Embodied Carbon Building Materials
Technology Description:
SkyNano will create composite panels for the building industry via a multi-scale materials approach combining recycled carbon fibers diverted from landfills, directly utilized CO2 via electro-reduction into solid carbon nanotubes, and biomaterials such as bamboo fibers. The panels will exhibit excellent mechanical and functional properties while maintaining a carbon-negative footprint on a cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave basis, exceeding the performance of today’s state-of-the-art panels. The team proposes to develop and test the panel in a 1ft2 format, which is envisioned to be applicable for interior wall coverings, non-load bearing interior walls, exterior facades, and ceiling panels. The technology will increase mechanical and functional performance of materials used in built environment, introduce new materials to an industry that has used essentially the same ones for decades, and enable interior building surfaces to be CO2 negative.
Potential Impact:
HESTIA projects will facilitate the use of carbon storing materials in building construction to achieve net carbon negativity by optimizing material chemistries and matrices, manufacturing, and whole-building designs in a cost-effective manner.