Scientists have announced the creation of a new porous material that can capture and absorb carbon dioxide better than trees. The results of the scientific work of researchers from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland are published in the journal Nature Synthesis.
According to experts, this discovery will help solve the problem of greenhouse gases, which are one of the main environmental problems and contribute to climate change. "Carbon dioxide and sulfur hexafluoride can linger in the atmosphere for thousands of years, leading to global warming and exacerbating biodiversity loss," the researchers explain. "The new technology can level out the levels of emissions into the atmosphere of combustion products of fossil fuels, however, further study of materials and the development of an experimental base is needed for its full-scale implementation and use."
In the course of the study, the scientists used computer modeling, which made it possible to accurately predict how the molecules will assemble into hollow, cell-like forms. According to Mark Little, one of the project leaders, "planting trees is a very effective way to absorb carbon dioxide, but it is a very slow process." "Therefore, human intervention is inevitable for a more effective fight against greenhouse gases," he said, adding that the use of artificial intelligence will accelerate the pace of discovery of new types of porous materials. In particular, molecules with a complex structure can be used to clean the air of highly toxic volatile organic compounds.
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