Cheap nanomaterials from US can speed up carbon capture

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed low-cost nanomaterials that can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air using a moisture-swing method. The study explored materials like activated carbon, graphite, and metal oxides as alternatives to expensive engineered polymers. These materials could make direct air capture more affordable and energy-efficient, potentially helping to offset emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors. The team identified optimal pore sizes for carbon capture and aims to further study the materials' life cycles and scalability.