Transforming Our Planet: How UNF Scientists Are Pioneering Innovative Solutions to Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Researchers at the University of North Florida are tackling an urgent problem: the rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. This increase contributes to climate change and higher global temperatures.

Scientists at UNF have an exciting idea. They believe CO2 can be separated from waste materials and transformed into useful products, like construction supplies.

CO2 is everywhere. It’s in fire extinguishers, carbonated drinks, and yes, it’s also a greenhouse gas. This means it traps heat in our atmosphere, making the Earth warmer.

Two researchers, Florentino De La Cruz and Dr. Benjamin Williams, are committed to reducing CO2 in the environment. De La Cruz describes the problem using a simple analogy: “Imagine a bucket of water with the faucet left on. Eventually, it overflows. We need energy for our daily lives, but we have to find a way to manage the consequences.”

To cut down on CO2, they are collecting it from waste, specifically coal ash from power plants and landfill materials. De La Cruz explains, “We are taking waste and adding value to it. Our goal is to benefit the environment, not harm it.”

The scientists start by focusing on small amounts, extracting CO2 from the coal ash. NASA has reported a significant increase—47%—in carbon dioxide levels since the Industrial Age, which drives global warming.

Once they harvest the CO2, the researchers aim to incorporate it into durable materials. “Can we convert it into cement products like bricks and other building materials?” De La Cruz wonders.

While their vision is ambitious, focusing on scaling up to reduce gigatons of CO2, they are currently working at a much smaller level. “Right now, we are dealing with grams,” De La Cruz shared.

The pursuit of carbon dioxide removal is gaining traction. If these scientists succeed in recycling CO2 from waste into sustainable building materials, it could play a key role in fighting climate change.

Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlight a crucial point: without removing CO2, reaching climate goals will be nearly impossible.

This research benefits from generous community support and funding from donors, including the River Branch Foundation and Vulcan Material Company Foundation.