Shoolini University has reported a new sustainable materials breakthrough with potential industrial applications. Dr Itika Kainthla, Assistant Professor of Physics, has developed a method to convert fallen Himalayan pine cones into a high-carbon material capable of replacing coal-based carbon in chemical manufacturing.

The pine-cone-derived product contains more than 90 per cent carbon, comparable to high-grade anthracite. In laboratory tests, it achieved 60 per cent conversion and 78 per cent selectivity in transforming ethylbenzene into styrene, a chemical used in plastics, synthetic rubber and resins. The material remained stable for more than 30 hours and performed on par with commercial carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes, but at significantly lower cost. Structural analyses showed coal-like carbon layering, while naturally occurring nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur contributed to its catalytic activity.

Further studies found the reaction to be spontaneous and endothermic, with favourable kinetic and thermodynamic behaviour, indicating suitability for industrial deployment. The research highlights the potential of biomass-derived carbon as a cost-effective alternative to fossil-fuel-based materials.

Dr Kainthla said the innovation reflects how commonly available natural resources can be re-examined for practical applications, noting that pine cones are abundant across the Himalayan region.

Vice-Chancellor Atul Khosla said the outcome aligns with efforts to develop green manufacturing solutions and demonstrates the value of research rooted in regional resources.

The work, conducted with CNMS Bengaluru, has been published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. The university said further development and scale-up could support wider industrial use of the pine-cone-based carbon material.

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