Eucalyptus bark, long regarded as a low-value by-product of the forestry industry, could soon play a role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
New research from RMIT University suggests the material can be transformed into a highly effective substance for cleaning polluted water, filtering air and capturing carbon dioxide.
The study demonstrates that bark stripped from eucalyptus logs (typically discarded as waste) can be converted into a porous form of carbon capable of trapping pollutants as air or water passes through it.
The findings offer a practical pathway to repurpose a widely available waste material using a relatively simple production process.
Porous carbon materials are already commonly used in filtration systems, including water purifiers, air filters and industrial gas treatment technologies.
Their effectiveness lies in their microscopic structure, which contains a network of tiny pores that capture and hold unwanted molecules.
PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who led much of the experimental work, said the results were surprising given the material’s low-value status.
“It is usually treated as low‑value waste, but with a simple process we were able to convert it into a highly porous material with strong adsorption performance,” Saini said.
“It highlights how overlooked biomass can be transformed into something useful.”
The research team used a one-step activation method to produce the porous carbon, avoiding the more complex, multi-stage processes often required for similar materials.
This simpler approach could reduce both energy use and production costs, improving the material’s potential for real-world application.
Plant-based carbon materials are being studied globally, using feedstocks ranging from agricultural waste to industrial by-products.
According to the researchers, eucalyptus bark compares well in terms of availability, sustainability and ease of processing, particularly in Australia, which is home to more than 900 species of eucalypt and related trees.
Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said the simplicity of the method was key to its potential impact.
“The strength of this approach lies in its simplicity,” Jampaiah said.
“We are converting a widely available waste material into a functional carbon with promising performance, without relying on complex processing steps.
“That makes it highly relevant for real‑world environmental applications.”
Because the bark is sourced from existing forestry operations, it does not compete with food production and aligns with circular economy principles focused on reducing waste and maximising resource use.
The research team is now planning to collaborate with Indigenous communities and organisations to identify which eucalyptus species may be best suited for this application.
Future work will combine scientific analysis with traditional ecological knowledge to further refine the material’s performance.
Potential applications for eucalyptus bark-derived carbon include water purification systems, air and industrial gas filtration, and point-of-use filters for regional and remote communities.
The material could also contribute to carbon capture technologies, where cost, durability and regeneration capacity are critical factors.
Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava AM said the research highlights how waste materials can be reimagined as part of broader environmental solutions.
“This work shows how eucalyptus bark can be transformed into materials that support cleaner water, cleaner air and carbon capture,” Professor Bhargava said.
“At CAMIC, we combine circular‑economy innovation with real societal impact, while mentoring the next generation of researchers to ensure the work remains purposeful.”
The study, titled Sustainable valorisation of eucalyptus bark waste into microporous carbon materials for efficient CO₂ capture, has been published in the international journal Biomass and Bioenergy.
