A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a groundbreaking material that absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into organic biomass and stable minerals, revolutionizing the way we approach carbon sequestration in buildings and infrastructure. The innovative 3D printable hydrogel is infused with cyanobacteria, photosynthetic microorganisms that thrive in artificial seawater solutions.
The material grows over time while continuously capturing CO2, relying solely on light and nutrients. What sets it apart is its dual carbon sequestration strategy, allowing it to absorb more CO2 than it stores through organic growth alone. The living cells are embedded within a hydrogel, which facilitates the transport of essential resources throughout the material.
Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that the material captures CO2 steadily for up to 400 days, primarily storing it as minerals – approximately 26 milligrams of CO2 per gram. This performance surpasses many biological methods and rivals chemical mineralization found in recycled concrete.
The researchers envision their living material being used as a coating for building façades to bind CO2 throughout the entire life cycle of a building. As the construction industry continues to explore sustainable solutions, this innovative approach offers a promising energy-efficient and environmentally friendly method for capturing atmospheric CO2.
Source: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/eth-zurich-engineers-develop-3d-printed-living-material-that-captures-and-stores-co%E2%82%82-241180