Swiss researchers have developed a groundbreaking building material that absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, offering a sustainable way to reduce emissions. The material is created using blue-green algae, which convert CO2 into oxygen and sugars through photosynthesis. It can also store CO2 as sturdy, eco-friendly construction components and solid minerals like limestone.
The material consists of a 3D-printable hydrogel that allows light, water, and CO2 to penetrate freely, keeping the algae active. The cyanobacteria absorb CO2 from the air, storing it in two ways: as biomass and as carbonate minerals. Over a 400-day study, the material stored roughly 26 milligrams of CO2 per gram of material.
The researchers envision this material being applied as a coating on building walls to absorb atmospheric CO2 and reduce carbon emissions. It is estimated to absorb about 18 kg of CO2 annually – comparable to a 20-year-old pine tree. The scientists are now working to improve the material’s efficiency by genetically engineering the cyanobacteria and developing nutrient delivery systems.
Source: https://www.news18.com/world/scientists-create-living-material-that-sucks-carbon-dioxide-from-the-air-ws-dkln-9405277.html