Recent research involving Abu Dhabi scientists is exploring the potential of graphene, a newly discovered carbon material, to revolutionize carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from the atmosphere, United Arab Emirates (UAE) state-owned daily The National reported Tuesday.
As global efforts to curb emissions fall short, technologies to extract CO2 from the air are becoming increasingly vital in combating climate change.
Graphene, derived from graphite, has unique properties that researchers have harnessed to switch its function from an electrical conductor to an insulator, opening up new possibilities for CO2 capture and conversion.
This discovery could enable the transformation of CO2 into useful products without relying on costly catalysts.
The research, published in renowned scientific journal Nature, is a collaboration between Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi and the University of Manchester, along with institutions in Belgium, Brazil, and the UK.
Dr. Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo of the University of Manchester highlighted the potential of using graphene’s electrical properties to drive processes more efficiently and sustainably.
However, he noted that scaling this technology for practical use remains a significant challenge.
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Graphene’s potential extends beyond CO2 removal. It is a remarkable material, being 200 times stronger than steel and five times lighter than aluminum, with exceptional electrical conductivity.
Its discovery by Professors Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov at the University of Manchester in 2004 has led to numerous applications, including cancer detection and enhanced battery life.
The partnership between Khalifa University and the University of Manchester, formalized in 2022, aims to explore graphene’s applications in various fields, including water filtration, energy storage, and construction.
Researchers view this collaboration as a significant opportunity to continue advancing the science of 2D materials like graphene, with ongoing projects expected to yield further breakthroughs in CO2 removal and beyond.
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