Munich researchers use algae to convert waste gas to carbon fiber

In Germany, researchers at the Technical University of Munich are using algae to convert waste gas from manufacturing facilities into carbon fiber.

The algae convert carbon dioxide into algae oil, which is then converted into polyacrylonitrile, a carbon fiber raw material.

“The system is easily scalable to large areas,” Professor Thomas Brück,  head of the project team at TUM’s Algae Cultivation Center, tells Composites World. “Plants which together would cover the size of Algeria would offset all CO₂ emissions from air transport.” The technology could be used at large scale in Europe and North Africa and in industries such as power plants and steel processing, he adds.

The carbon fibers produced are identical to conventionally produced carbon fibers, TUM says.