Imagine if a tiny amount of powder could do the job of a large tree in capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have created just that—a fluffy yellow powder named COF-999. This powder, designed with microscopic pores, can trap CO2 and release it for safe storage. In testing, it performed exceptionally well, lasting over 100 cycles without losing its effectiveness. The material could be used in large-scale direct air capture plants to combat global warming.

Scientists say keeping the concentration of CO2 below 450 parts per million (ppm) is crucial to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Currently, CO2 levels are around 423 ppm. The powder, when heated, releases the trapped CO2, which can then be stored underground. It captures CO2 faster than other materials and at a lower temperature. Researchers are continuously improving the powder, aiming to double its capacity within a year.

One of the challenges is designing a system that can handle the powder on a large scale. This includes creating metal boxes that allow air to pass through without blowing the powder away. The ultimate goal is to make this process cheaper and more efficient to significantly reduce atmospheric CO2.

The Yellow Powder: A Game Changer Against CO2

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