BIO-INNO - Novel, biochar-based high-value innovations in Central Ostrobothnia
Project description
The aim of the project is to identify innovative high value-added solutions for the use of biochar in the Central Ostrobothnia region. The project involves producing biochar-based electrode materials as well as carbon materials suitable for water purification and soil improvement. Suitable biomass sources will be sought from agriculture and forestry.
The concrete actions of the project include sampling, chemical and physical analyses, carbonization testing, and suitability assessments. Based on the analyses, the most suitable samples will be selected for more detailed investigations related to battery, water purification, and soil amendment applications. For the suitability studies, the biomass will be carbonized, activated, and, if necessary, chemically modified. To examine the performance of anode/ conductive carbon materials, actual battery cells will also be manufactured from the produced carbon. The overall goal is to establish a link between the highest-quality industrial raw materials and end products, and to assess the potential of Central Ostrobothnia as a source, producer, and processor of these materials.
The results of the project will provide new knowledge and expertise on producing high value added biochar products with commercial production in mind. In battery applications, solutions are needed to replace natural or synthetic graphite in lithium-ion batteries due to the high carbon footprint of graphite. The project will also have impacts on the security of supply in agriculture and forestry through improved fertilizer self-sufficiency. In the long term, the project may create new business opportunities in Central Ostrobothnia related to carbon-based materials.
Contact persons
Teija Kangas, University of Oulu
Ulla Lassi, University of Oulu/Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius