"Breakthrough: Sustainable Gel Film Captures Carbon Dioxide at Lower Energy Cost"

Researchers have developed sustainable carbon-capture hydrogels (SCCH) as a promising material for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) with high uptake and low regeneration energy. The SCCH, made from low-cost biomass konjac gum, thermo-responsive cellulose, and polyethylenimine (PEI), has a unique hierarchical structure that enables CO2 transport and easy access to active amine sites. The precaptured water vapor enhances CO2 binding, leading to higher capture capacity under humid conditions. The captured CO2 can be released at a low energy supply, achieved through mild electric heating or solar irradiation at around 60°C. The ease of preparation and scalability of the gel make it a potential game-changer for sustainable air quality management and direct air capture technologies.