New ‘Living’ Material That Sucks CO2 From Air Developed By Scientists

Test results showed that the material continuously absorbed CO2 over a 400-day period.

Scientists have developed a new ‘photosynthetic’ material capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) that can one day be used in buildings to fight climate change. The Swiss researchers have created the innovative substance using blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which converts CO2, sunlight and water into oxygen and sugars through photosynthesis.

Under specific nutrient conditions, it can also turn CO2 into sturdy, eco-friendly construction components and solid minerals such as limestone, providing permanent carbon storage while strengthening the material.

“Cyanobacteria are among the oldest life forms in the world. They are highly efficient at photosynthesis and can utilise even the weakest light to produce biomass from CO2 and water,” said Yifan Cui, one of the two lead authors of the study.