University of Cambridge researchers have developed a low-cost, energy-efficient method for making materials that can capture carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air – all from a ‘crazy idea’ that sprouted during the COVID lockdown.
The method, similar to charging a battery, instead charges activated charcoal, which is often used in household water filters.
By charging the charcoal ‘sponge’ with ions that form reversible bonds with CO2, the researchers found the charged material could successfully capture CO2 directly from the air.
The charged charcoal sponge is also potentially more energy efficient than current carbon capture approaches, since it requires much lower temperatures to remove the captured CO2 so it can be stored. The results are reported in the journal Nature.
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