Researchers develop new material to capture carbon dioxide from air more efficiently

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new material called a covalent organic framework (COF) that captures carbon dioxide from the air more efficiently and cheaply than existing technologies. This material can absorb CO2 at low concentrations found in ambient air. The COF has a unique structure with hexagonal channels that bind CO2 molecules effectively. Tests showed it could remove CO2 from outdoor air, performing better than previous materials. Just 200 grams of this COF can capture about 20 kilograms of CO2 in a year. The new material is chemically and thermally stable, requiring less energy for operation. It has been tested for durability, showing no loss of capacity after 100 cycles, making it a promising option for direct air capture efforts.