Energy Saving Trust channels
Top shortcut links
Main navigation starts here
You are here:
Sponges that soak up carbon dioxide could help fight global warming, according to researchers.
Researchers at the University of California said the sponge-like substances could be used as filters in power station flues and vehicle exhausts.
The invention - zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) - works by capturing gas before it reaches the atmosphere as the pores are able to trap CO2 molecules.
The most efficient materials can absorb 83 times their own volume of gas, scientists said, adding they hoped the sponge will make carbon capture and storage more attractive and cheaper in the future.
Rahul Banerjee said: "We're optimistic that within a year or two these materials will be ready for test in power stations.
"These materials could also be used in vehicle exhausts to capture carbon dioxide created through burning fuel.
"The beauty of the chemistry is that we have the freedom to choose what kind of door we want, and what goes through it," he said.
Find out how the Energy Saving Trust can help you
For regular email updates please submit your email address below.
Call 0800 512 012 for free, independent and local energy saving advice
Click here to request a call back from your local advice centre.
Latest News