Technical Name Great Calcium! Green Valorization of Eggshells into Eco-Friendly Catalysts and Advanced Biomedical Materials
Project Operator National Kaohsiung University
Project Host 鍾宜璋
Summary
This technology integrates green biomimetic concepts with an efficient microwave process to convert porous eggshells into CaO-based catalytic materials. Under sunlight or ambient light, they degrade organic pollutants in water and generate radicals to break down plastics and microplastics. Light exposure also triggers electron–hole pairs for active antibacterial effects. The materials can further evolve into calcium peroxide-based slow-release agents for treating hard-to-heal osteomyelitis.
Scientific Breakthrough
This breakthrough uses efficient microwave calcination to remove CO₂ from porous eggshells in 30 minutes, forming high-surface-area photocatalysts with low energy input. Rapid co-doping induces defects, enhancing broad-spectrum radical generation to degrade organic pollutants and recycled plastics. CaO₂ treats osteomyelitis by breaking biofilms, supplying oxygen, and enabling controlled release. These applications are unprecedented and highly innovative.
Industrial Applicability
This technology uses eggshells to produce CaO-based catalytic materials with potential for water purification, plastic degradation, and antimicrobial applications. Two industry-academic projects with an egg company have been launched to advance eggshell valorization. It enables sustainable reuses and carbon fixation with low energy input and interdisciplinary innovation. Applicable to chemical, plastic, recycling, agriculture, and medical industries, it holds strong industrial potential.
Keyword eggshell transformation CaO photocatalysts doped photocatalysts degradation of dyes in water degradation of ammonia nitrogen in water degradation of plastics antibacterial calcium peroxide osteomyelitis advanced biomedical materials
  • Contact
  • Yenping Wen(Hannah)