A new lab-created powder has shown promise in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, a potential game-changer in combating climate change. The powder, known as a covalent organic framework, can absorb and release carbon more than 100 times its own weight, making it superior to other materials used for carbon capture.
Developed by chemist Omar Yaghi at the University of California, Berkeley, the material has strong chemical bonds that pull gases out of the air. It is durable, porous, and can be reused hundreds of times, making it ideal for use in industrial processes or safe storage.
Early tests have shown that just half a pound of the powder can remove as much carbon dioxide as a tree can. The process requires only 120F to release the gas, significantly reducing energy needs compared to other methods.
Yaghi believes this technology could be scaled up and used in large plants worldwide, with plans to manufacture the material in multi-ton quantities within a year. Experts agree that direct air capture is crucial for reducing greenhouse emissions, especially if renewable energy sources are not enough to meet demand.
However, scientists note that scaling up the system for pilot studies remains a challenge due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide and large electricity consumption required for running fans. The cost of materials also poses an issue, but Yaghi says this material addresses some lingering problems in carbon removal technology.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/29/covalent-organic-framework-carbon-capture-powder