Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a yellow powder that can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Known as COF-999, this material could be a game-changer in the fight against climate change.
The porous, lightweight powder acts like a sponge, trapping CO2 in its microscopic pores. Researchers said the powder can capture CO2 10 times faster than existing methods.
They say just half a pound of COF-999 can capture as much carbon dioxide as a large tree does in a year. Unlike other carbon capture technologies, COF-999 is durable enough to be reused for hundreds, or even thousands, of cycles.
The material also requires less energy to release the trapped carbon, potentially lowering the overall cost of carbon capture.
The key innovation behind COF-999 is its ability to trap CO2 in its structure. Chemicals called amines bind to carbon dioxide molecules, according to scientists.
The powder’s effectiveness was tested outdoors, where it was exposed to fluctuating CO2 levels in the air. In every test, the powder completely removed the carbon dioxide from the air as it passed through, leaving none detectable on the other side.
The next challenge, according to researchers, is scaling up the use of COF-999 in large, industrial facilities. Such facilities would resemble oil refineries, with vast structures packed with COF-999 working to filter the air.
The study, published in the journal Nature, is part of a growing effort to make carbon capture more efficient and cost-effective.