Australian researchers hope to soak up greenhouse gases

William Atkins
Tuesday, 14 September 2010 23:29

Science - Climate

A team of Australian researchers is working on a way to capture greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, with what it being called 'molecular sponges." These sponges could help in our fight to control greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

 

The researchers, from the University of Sydney, are developing highly porous three-dimensional crystals that are full of tiny holes and pores.

With so many of these microscopic holes (and a lot of surface area, too), there is a huge potential within them to capture greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide.

The University of Sydney researchers are developing these three-dimensional solids, or molecular sponges, so they can be initially used in areas that contain a lot of carbon dioxide, such as power stations.

They are also developing a way for these high-tech sponges to release their contents under certain circumstances.

Dr. Deanna D'Alessandro, a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of Chemistry (University of Sydney), is the lead researcher on the project to develop molecular sponges.

Page two continues with comments made by Dr. D'Alessandrao.