In the International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research, authors Obiora Nnaemeka Ezenwa, Mmesoma Echezonachukwu Echeta, John Chikaelo Okeke, Arinze Everest Chinweze, Chibuzo Ndubuisi Okoye, and Augustine Uzodinma Madumere address the environmental challenges posed by Nigeria’s heavy reliance on fossil fuel generators. Due to erratic electricity supplies, many households utilize these generators, which emit high levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. To mitigate these impacts, the research team engineered a small-scale carbon capture machine that retrofits onto generator exhausts. The core of this system is biochar produced from breadfruit pulp, a sustainable and inexpensive adsorbent that traps pollutants before they reach the atmosphere. 

The carbon capture device consists of three stainless-steel chambers arranged in series, each packed with biochar particles of decreasing sizes to maximize contact between the gas and the adsorbent. To ensure the device could handle the harsh operating environment, the team conducted theoretical design analyses and SolidWorks static simulations. These tests verified that the structure, built with 0.3 cm thick stainless-steel walls, remained mechanically stable even when exposed to temperatures of 600 degree celsius and internal pressures of 7 kPa. While simulations identified localized stress concentrations at joint junctions, the overall deformation was minimal—peaking at just 0.43 mm—confirming the prototype’s structural integrity. 

Experimental results using an engine generator set provided quantitative evidence of the biochar’s effectiveness. Before the capture device was integrated, emissions for CO₂​, CO, and particulate matter reached the maximum measurable limits of the air quality detector. Once the biochar-embedded device was connected, CO_2​ concentrations were reduced by over 60%, and CO levels fell by approximately 40%. Additionally, significant reductions were recorded for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and formaldehyde (HCHO). These findings demonstrate that biochar, particularly when derived from underutilized biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More like breadfruit pulp, is a highly functional and sustainable medium for post-combustion carbon capture. 

The implications of this study are vital for developing regions where centralized power remains unreliable. By converting agricultural waste into an emission control tool, this technology promotes a circular carbon economy and provides an accessible method for reducing the environmental footprint of small-scale power sources. The researchers suggest that future iterations of the device could be even more effective by chemically treating the biochar to increase its surface area or by integrating digital gas sensors for continuous data logging. Overall, the prototype establishes a mechanically sound and functionally feasible pathway for localized environmental management and cleaner energy production. 

Source: Ezenwa, O. N., Echeta, M. E., Okeke, J. C., Chinweze, A. E., Okoye, C. N., & Madumere, A. U. (2025). Development and performance assessment of post-combustion emission control device, embedded with breadfruit pulp biochar. International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research, 14(2), 120-132.