News Chemistry

CO2 sponge

Macromolecule that was accidentally discovered seems to trap the greenhouse gas from the air

By Sid Perkins

- More than 2 years ago

A macromolecule that was accidentally discovered when scientists left stuff sitting on a lab bench seems to soak up atmospheric carbon dioxide, a study now suggests.

CARBON SPONGE Solid crystals made up of a newly discovered macromolecule (the large ring-shaped structure in this image) can trap carbonate ions (the four-atom group shown at center).