Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a biologically active material that can absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and is suitable for 3D printing. The material consists of a gel containing cyanobacteria, which can perform photosynthesis in low light conditions. It uses two mechanisms to capture carbon: an organic mechanism where bacteria convert CO₂ into biomass, and a mineral mechanism where bacteria produce carbonate minerals that store carbon in a stable form. Laboratory tests showed that the material can absorb CO₂ for up to 400 days, binding approximately 26 milligrams of carbon dioxide per gram of material. The material has been used in architectural projects, such as the “Picoplanktonics” installation, which can absorb up to 18 kg of CO₂ per year. The technology is environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and only requires sunlight, artificial seawater, and atmospheric CO₂ to grow. The researchers envision using this material as façade coatings for buildings, turning urban environments into massive carbon sinks.
Scientists Develop Innovative Organic Substance Capable of Capturing Carbon Dioxide
