A team of Australian scientists has developed a new material that can soak up large amounts of greenhouse gases.
The researchers from the school of chemistry at the University of Sydney have constructed crystals full of tiny holes that can filter and capture gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
Chief researcher Deanna D’Alessandro says the molecular sponges are more robust than those used in the past and can sustain the hot wet environment of a power station flue.
“That means we can use them in power stations where we want to actually capture the carbon dioxide and then regenerate the materials,” she said.
“We want to get the material back at the end of the day and be able to reversibly capture and release carbon dioxide.
“Power stations are actually really interested in this technology because currently the processes use about 25-40 per cent of the energy they generate just to capture the carbon dioxide.
“So we’re finding more efficient materials and better materials to capture CO2.”
The materials can also store and carry hydrogen.
