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New Material Eats CO2, Builds the Future
21 Jan
Summary
- New building material sequesters over 6 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter.
- Enzymatic structural material cures in hours, unlike conventional concrete.
- Material offers a scalable alternative to traditional concrete production.
A groundbreaking building material, enzymatic structural material (ESM), has been developed by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). This innovation, detailed in the journal Matter, offers a solution that captures more carbon dioxide than it produces during its creation.
The ESM process, led by Professor Nima Rahbar, utilizes an enzyme to convert carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. These particles are then rapidly bonded and cured within hours, providing a significant advantage over traditional concrete, which requires high temperatures and weeks to set.
One cubic meter of ESM sequesters over 6 kilograms of CO2, vastly outperforming conventional concrete, which emits approximately 330 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter. This carbon-negative characteristic positions ESM as a potentially transformative material for the construction industry.
ESM is designed for real-world applications, offering fast curing, adjustable strength, and full recyclability. Its potential uses range from roof decks and wall panels to modular building systems, with the added benefit of being repairable, thus reducing waste and long-term costs.
