Eucalyptus bark, often stripped from logs and discarded as waste, could soon play a vital role in cleaning polluted water, filtering dirty air and capturing carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University.
Scientists at RMIT have discovered that eucalyptus bark can be transformed into a highly porous form of carbon capable of trapping pollutants as water or air passes through it. The breakthrough offers a practical and sustainable way to repurpose a common forestry by‑product using a simple, low‑energy process.
Turning Waste into a Filter
Porous carbon materials are widely used in water filters, air purifiers and industrial gas treatment systems. Their effectiveness lies in their microscopic pore networks, which capture unwanted molecules as fluids flow through.
PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who led much of the experimental work, said the results exceeded expectations.
“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 team used a one‑step activation process to produce porous carbon from eucalyptus bark — a simpler and more energy‑efficient method than many existing multi‑stage techniques used for similar materials.
Why Eucalyptus Bark?
Plant‑based carbons are being studied globally using agricultural, forestry and industrial waste. Eucalyptus bark, however, stands out for its abundance, sustainability and ease of processing — particularly in Australia.
Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said the approach’s simplicity makes it especially promising.
“We are converting a widely available waste material into a functional carbon with promising performance, without relying on complex processing steps,” Jampaiah said. “That makes it highly relevant for real‑world environmental applications.”
With more than 900 species of eucalypt across Australia, the researchers plan to collaborate with Indigenous communities and organisations to identify which species may be best suited for this application. The team aims to combine scientific analysis with traditional ecological knowledge to optimise the material’s performance through respectful, genuine partnerships.
Because the bark is sourced from existing forestry operations, it does not compete with food production and supports circular‑economy and waste‑reduction goals.
Potential Environmental Applications
Eucalyptus bark‑derived porous carbon could be used in a range of environmental technologies, including:
- Water purification and wastewater treatment
- Air and industrial gas filtration
- Point‑of‑use filtration systems for regional and remote communities
- Carbon dioxide capture and storage
Further research will focus on testing durability, regeneration and scalability to assess how the material performs in real‑world systems.
Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava AM, Director of RMIT’s Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), said the study demonstrates how waste can be re‑imagined as part of environmental solutions.
“This work shows how eucalyptus bark can be transformed into materials that support cleaner water, cleaner air and carbon capture,” 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 research, Sustainable valorisation of eucalyptus bark waste into microporous carbon materials for efficient CO₂ capture, is published in the international journal Biomass and Bioenergy (DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2026.109242).
