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UK Researchers Transform Bourbon Waste into Energy Storage Solution

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Kentucky use hydrothermal carbonization to convert bourbon stillage into hydrochar for energy-storage materials.
The project is led by Josiel Barrios Cossio, a University of Kentucky graduate student, and Professor Marcelo Guzman of the University of Kentucky.
The resulting hydrochar enables supercapacitors that store more energy than conventional devices.
The team is evaluating the commercial viability of their technology amid growing demand for energy storage solutions.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Kentucky use hydrothermal carbonization to convert bourbon stillage into hydrochar for energy-storage materials.
The project is led by Josiel Barrios Cossio, a University of Kentucky graduate student, and Professor Marcelo Guzman of the University of Kentucky.
The resulting hydrochar enables supercapacitors that store more energy than conventional devices.
The team is evaluating the commercial viability of their technology amid growing demand for energy storage solutions.