Discover How Scientists Developed a Revolutionary Living Building Material That Captures Carbon Like Trees!

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a revolutionary living material that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) and turns it into stable forms. This innovation could change how we tackle climate change, creating buildings that actively absorb CO2.

The core of this new material is cyanobacteria, one of the oldest life forms, embedded in a 3D-printed hydrogel. These tiny organisms naturally photosynthesize, converting CO2, sunlight, and water into oxygen and sugars. What makes this material unique is its ability to grow stronger over time. With nutrients like calcium and magnesium, the cyanobacteria produce biomass and convert CO2 into carbonate minerals, like limestone. This process not only sequesters carbon but also increases the material’s strength, making it suitable for construction.

Mark Tibbitt, a co-author of the study, noted that this material can store carbon in both biomass and minerals. This dual functionality allows it to act as a carbon sink while also being structurally sound for real-world applications. Imagine building facades that not only look good but also help clean the air!

During their research, the team found that the material could sequester an impressive 26 milligrams of CO2 per gram over 400 days of testing. This rate significantly outperformed other biological methods of sequestering CO2. The vibrant green color of the material grows over time, indicating the effective absorption of CO2 by the cyanobacteria. However, researchers pointed out that while photosynthesis continues for months, the carbon storage in biomass levels off after about 30 days. They suggest that additional strategies, like mineralization, might enhance long-term CO2 storage.

The beauty of this living material lies in its sustainability. Unlike traditional carbon sequestration, which often requires intense energy use, this method is low-energy and utilizes natural processes. The combination of capturing CO2 and producing biomass can work alongside existing technologies to help reduce global carbon emissions.

Tibbitt mentioned that embedding cyanobacteria in a hydrogel not only absorbs CO2 but also gives the material a self-repairing quality, allowing it to function effectively over long periods without needing extra energy inputs.

Overall, this innovation offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of environmentally friendly construction and effective climate action. As we look for solutions to combat climate change, the potential of living materials like this one could be a game-changer.

For further insights, you can check the original study published in Nature Communications.

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