New Delhi: Researchers from RMIT University, Australia, have found that eucalyptus bark, usually treated as forestry waste, can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that may help clean polluted water, filter air, and support carbon dioxide capture.
The new study shows that the bark can be processed into a sponge-like carbon material with a network of microscopic pores. These pores trap unwanted particles as water or air passes through the material, making it useful for filtration and pollution control applications.
Researchers said the process uses a simple one-step activation method. They noted that this approach avoids the need for complex, multi-stage production methods that are commonly used for similar porous carbon materials.
PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who worked on the study, said in indirect terms that eucalyptus bark is often considered low-value waste. She added that the team found it could be transformed into a highly porous material with strong adsorption properties through a simple process. She highlighted that this shows how overlooked biomass can be converted into useful materials.
The researchers compared the method with other plant-based carbon materials made from agricultural and forestry waste. They said eucalyptus bark performed well because it is widely available and requires simpler processing.
Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said in indirect terms that the strength of the approach lies in its simplicity. He added that the team is converting a commonly available waste material into a functional carbon without relying on complex steps, which makes it suitable for real-world environmental use.
Australia has more than 900 species of eucalyptus and related trees. As a next step, the research team plans to work with Indigenous communities and organisations to identify species that may be best suited for future applications.
The researchers said species-specific chemical and structural differences could help improve the material further. They also said future work will combine scientific analysis with traditional ecological knowledge.
The team noted that eucalyptus bark comes from existing forestry operations and does not compete with food production. They said this supports circular economy and waste reduction goals.
The material is being studied for multiple applications, including water purification, wastewater treatment, air and industrial gas filtration, community-level filtration systems, and carbon dioxide capture. Researchers said further testing is needed to assess durability, regeneration ability, and large-scale performance.
Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava, Director of the Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry at RMIT, said in indirect terms that the study shows how waste materials can be reimagined for environmental solutions. He added that the work focuses on converting eucalyptus bark into materials that support cleaner water, cleaner air, and carbon capture, while also training future researchers to ensure practical impact.
