by Paul Dailing
Chicago IL (SPX) Nov 12, 2025
Researchers on the College of Chicago Pritzker College of Molecular Engineering have developed a nanofiber air filter designed for constructing air flow programs that captures airborne carbon dioxide and will decrease family power prices.
The staff, led by Assistant Professor Po-Chun Hsu, designed a distributed carbon nanofiber direct air seize filter that transforms residential and business HVAC programs into localized carbon-capture websites. The filter operates with over 92 p.c effectivity in extracting carbon dioxide from indoor air, even after factoring in emissions related to manufacturing, transport, and disposal.
First writer Ronghui Wu famous that integrating carbon-capture filters into air flow infrastructure might take away CO2 with out developing new amenities or requiring extra land. Changing all typical constructing filters with this nanofiber model might eradicate as a lot as 596 megatonnes of carbon dioxide yearly, similar to eradicating 130 million autos from service for a 12 months.
A examine carried out in 2024 discovered that utilizing these filters might cut back constructing power expenditures by as much as 21.66 p.c. Normal HVAC programs pull exterior air to decrease indoor CO2 ranges, however the carbon-capture filter removes CO2 from indoor air straight, leading to much less want for temperature adjustment and decrease total power consumption.
The design permits the CO2 to be launched from the saturated filter utilizing photo voltaic warmth, enabling regeneration utilizing renewable power sources. By using a carbon nanofiber-polyethylenimine materials, the filter matches the shape issue of conventional HEPA filters however permits common recycling and reactivation reasonably than landfill disposal.
The researchers suggest a system the place waste administration companies periodically acquire spent filters for centralized CO2 extraction. The concentrated CO2 could possibly be sequestered or used as a feedstock for chemical substances or fuels.
This filter additionally enhances indoor air high quality, significantly in crowded settings reminiscent of workplaces or school rooms, contributing to improved alertness and well-being.
Analysis Report:Distributed direct air seize by carbon nanofiber air filters
Associated Hyperlinks
College of Chicago
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