UK scientists develop material that absorbs carbon faster than trees
What's the story
UK scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against climate change, by developing a porous substance capable of storing substantial amounts of greenhouse gases. Detailed in a recent paper published in Nature Synthesis, this innovative material was created using computational models. Its unique structure makes it an excellent storage option for carbon dioxide and sulfur hexafluoride, according to the research team. The material functions like a molecular cage, trapping smaller molecules within its structure.
Molecular cage
The material's composition and functionality explained
The groundbreaking material, as explained by Professor Marc Little of Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University, acts like a molecular cage, trapping smaller molecules within its structure. Composed of oxygen, nitrogen, and fluorine, this organic supermolecule offers a faster solution to carbon absorption than traditional methods. "We need human intervention — like human-made molecules — to capture greenhouse gases efficiently from the environment more quickly," Little stated. This discovery could potentially revolutionize our approach to mitigating climate change.
Alternative solutions
Exploring other potential carbon-absorbing substances
The scientific community is not limiting its research to this groundbreaking material. Other potential carbon-absorbing substances are also being explored. One promising candidate is a two-dimensional boron structure with a large surface area, which could potentially absorb significant amounts of greenhouse gases from power plants. Interestingly, even concrete, often associated with high carbon dioxide emissions due to its use with cement, is under consideration for its potential to absorb carbon dioxide, when combined with materials like baking soda.