UAE Researchers Turn Coffee and Plastic Waste Into a Powerful Carbon Capture Material
Sharjah – Qahwa World
In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers at the University of Sharjah have developed and patented an innovative carbon capture technology that transforms used coffee grounds and plastic waste into a highly efficient material capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial emissions before they reach the atmosphere.
The patent, filed in March 2025 and published in August, represents a major step forward in the UAE’s scientific contribution to climate innovation, tackling both carbon pollution and solid waste through a single, sustainable solution.
From Coffee Cup to Carbon Capture
The new method combines spent coffee grounds (SCG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — a widely used plastic in bottles and packaging — and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a chemical activator.
Through co-pyrolysis at an eco-friendly activation temperature of 600 °C, the process yields activated carbon with an exceptionally high surface area and fine pore structure, making it highly effective in trapping CO₂ molecules.
“What begins with a Starbucks coffee cup and a discarded plastic water bottle can become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change through the production of activated carbon,”
said Dr. Haif Aljomard, lead inventor of the technology.
Dr. Aljomard emphasized that the process supports both waste valorization and climate change mitigation, turning two abundant waste streams into a high-performance carbon adsorbent that can reduce industrial emissions.
Circular and Cost-Effective
The researchers highlighted that the production cost of this material is remarkably low, thanks to the availability and affordability of its raw ingredients — coffee waste and post-consumer plastic.
Professor Chaouki Ghenai, co-inventor and expert in Sustainable and Renewable Energy at the University of Sharjah, said the invention exemplifies circular economy principles by giving waste a new life.
“Transforming spent coffee grounds and plastic waste into high-quality activated carbon delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits,” he said.
“This innovation not only prevents harmful waste from ending up in landfills but also provides a sustainable resource for carbon reduction technologies.”
Broad Industrial Applications
The patented activated carbon has diverse industrial uses, extending far beyond CO₂ capture. It can be applied in:
Water and air purification
Groundwater and wastewater treatment
Gas and solvent purification
Natural gas processing and emission control
Flue gas cleaning at waste incineration plants
Process and exhaust air filtration systems
According to the inventors, these wide-ranging applications make the material suitable for industries such as energy, steel, cement, petrochemicals, and environmental engineering, all of which are seeking cost-effective carbon reduction technologies.
Toward a Sustainable Future
The patent underscores the urgent need for sustainable carbon capture solutions, noting that CO₂ is one of the main greenhouse gases driving global warming and posing serious risks to both the planet and human health.
“There is an urgent need for effective and sustainable technologies to capture and reduce CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and power generation,” the patent states.
By turning two global waste streams — coffee and plastic — into a practical, affordable carbon-capture solution, the University of Sharjah has shown that scientific innovation can transform even a humble coffee cup into a weapon against climate change.
