In a groundbreaking development that could reshape the construction industry’s approach to carbon neutrality, researchers have unveiled a novel method for creating bacteria-based mortar and concrete capable of capturing atmospheric CO2 throughout its service life. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization (Journal of Carbon Dioxide Utilization), offers a promising pathway to transform concrete into a sustainable material that actively contributes to climate change mitigation.
The research, led by Min-Hee Won of the Department of Architectural Engineering at Kyonggi University Graduate School in Suwon, Republic of Korea, explores the feasibility of integrating living bacterial systems into construction materials. The study focuses on three bacterial strains—Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Sphingobacterium multivorum, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus—immobilized on porous expanded vermiculite to ensure their viability under the harsh conditions of hardened concrete.
“Our findings establish a scientific basis for integrating living bacterial systems into construction materials as a pathway toward carbon-neutrality,” Won said. The immobilized bacteria demonstrated robust CO2 uptake under a wide range of environmental conditions, including varying light/dark cycles, relative humidity from 60% to 99%, and temperatures ranging from 5°C to 35°C. Even at the lower temperature of 5°C, the bacteria maintained over 42% of their CO2 capture performance compared to their activity at 20–35°C.
The bacteria-immobilizing expanded vermiculites outperformed biochar specimens, showcasing significantly higher CO2 capture capacities and a faster rate of CO2 sequestration, even at the lower exposure temperature of 5°C. Viable cell counts confirmed that bacterial populations increased by 2.3–3.3 times after CO2 exposure, indicating continued growth and activity.
This research holds substantial commercial implications for the energy and construction sectors. By developing biological mortars that can actively capture CO2, the construction industry could significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The potential to revolutionize concrete into a sustainable material capable of active CO2 capture is a game-changer, offering a new direction for climate change mitigation.
Future research will focus on developing these biological mortars further, evaluating their mechanical and durability properties, and ensuring environmental safety. The proposed approach not only promises to reduce the environmental impact of construction materials but also opens up new avenues for innovation in the energy sector.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, this research offers a beacon of hope. By integrating living bacterial systems into construction materials, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. The study’s findings, published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization, mark a significant step forward in the quest for carbon-neutral construction materials.