'Sponge of the sea': Israeli researchers develop aerogel that captures, breaks down oil spills

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a cellulose-based aerogel that captures and biologically breaks down oil pollution. The material can adsorb 80 to 100 times its own mass in crude oil and other hydrocarbons, while supporting oil-degrading bacteria. The technology aims to address both immediate containment and long-term environmental recovery from oil spills.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a cellulose-based aerogel that captures and biologically breaks down oil pollution. The material, created from used egg cartons, old newspapers, and other paper products, can adsorb approximately 80 to 100 times its own mass in crude oil, fuel, tar, and other hydrocarbons. The aerogel is enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus, which support oil-degrading bacteria, enabling the material to both capture pollutants and speed their subsequent biological breakdown. The technology was developed in the university's Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, led by Prof. Ariel Kushmaro and Dr. Danit Lisa Karsagi Biron of BGU's Faculty of Engineering. The research team used nutrient enrichment, freeze-drying, and pyrolysis to create the aerogel. The process can minimize the need to remove and dispose of contaminated adsorption material after treatment. The technology is currently undergoing patent recognition through BGN Technologies, BGU's technology commercialization company. The findings were published in Chemical Engineering Journal Advances under the title "Nutrient-supplemented carbonized aerogels for integrated oil adsorption and biodegradation in water." The article notes that oil spills occur regularly around the world, with thousands of minor spills happening every year during routine tasks like refueling ships, pipeline leaks, or equipment failures on land. The article also references the February 2021 oil spill that contaminated roughly 160 kilometers of Israel's coastline.