Porous material uses green and blue light to repeatedly store and release CO₂
Phys.org
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists at the University of Groningen, led by Nobel laureate Ben Feringa and his team, have developed a groundbreaking new porous material capable of capturing and releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) using only visible light. This innovative advancement represents a significant leap forward in sustainable carbon capture technology. Unlike traditional methods that rely on heat or electricity, this material harnesses green and blue light to store CO₂ efficiently, offering a more energy-efficient solution for combating climate change.
The material operates by absorbing CO₂ when exposed to specific wavelengths of visible light, such as green or blue. Once saturated with CO₂, the material can release it upon exposure to different wavelengths or in darkness. This reversible process is particularly noteworthy because it eliminates the need for constant energy input during operation, making it a highly sustainable option for carbon capture applications.
This discovery marks a major shift in how we approach CO₂ management, as current methods often require substantial energy inputs and complex systems. By utilizing light-driven mechanisms, this material could pave the way for more scalable and efficient solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The potential implications extend across industries, from power generation to manufacturing, where carbon capture is
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/14/2026