According to a paper published in the journal Nanotechnology , cigarette filters can be transformed into a high-performing carbon-based material that is perfectly suited to storing energy.The difficulty of storage is one of the drawbacks of renewable energy, since, unlike fossil fuels, wind and solar only generate electricity intermittently.Recycling old cigarette butts has the dual advantage of offering a new solution to the energy storage issue, while recycling the filters that otherwise end up polluting the environment."Our study has shown that used-cigarette filters can be transformed into a high-performing carbon-based material using a simple one step process, which simultaneously offers a green solution to meeting the energy demands of society, said Professor Jongheop Yi, from Seoul National University, and co-author of the study."Numerous countries are developing strict regulations to avoid the trillions of toxic and non-biodegradable used-cigarette filters that are disposed of into the environment each yearour method is just one way of achieving this." Waste headache Around 5.6 trillion used cigarettes are dumped into the environment each year, and are the most common item found in beach clean-ups
However, it cannot eliminate odors already absorbed into carpets, upholstery, or curtains which is the primary source of persistent smoke smell in most rooms
McConnell R, Barrington-Trimis JL, Wang K, Urman R, Hong H, Unger J, et al
Many people try and fail numerous times before finally kicking the habit
doi: 10.1164/rccm.200809-1522st 35 BalerKFujiiWKapellosTSDudkinEReuschNHorneAet al
