Innovative Materials That May Slow Climate Change
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Student summary by Olivia Hwang
Original Source: NEIL SAVAGE, Scientific American, April 2,2025
Abstract
Background:
Climate change is a growing issue, and with the world using many petroleum-based materials, a United Nations study reports that water scarcity could become a serious issue in some countries by 2040. Time is of the essence, as fossil fuels continue to heat our Earth.
Objective:
Lead investigator at the Materials Discovery Research Institute (MDRI), Timur Islamoglu, wants to create a “substance” that can pull moisture out of the air and turn it into drinkable water. The MDRI is also working on creating devices that can be used to remove carbon dioxide from the air and harness hydrogen as a cleaner source of fuel.
Method:
Islamoglu is working on creating a porous material that can be adjusted to a specified climate. He is experimenting with the pore size of the material in order for it to absorb and condense moisture. Meanwhile, scientist at MDRI Jeff Wu is working on splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules; however, he is trying to develop a cheaper solution, as current devices that do this are costly. Wu is also working toward a way to contain hydrogen and efficiently turn it into power. His team is currently testing small models that are kept under controlled conditions. Finally, Varinia Bernales is helping discover new materials that could be used to create these devices.
Result:
For now, the MDRI has created prototypes of these devices. They believe that these devices may be commercialized in the future. Although the MDRI has yet to finish the project, they have developed the beginning of a possible solution.
Conclusion:
We are one step closer to addressing climate change. These discoveries could help reduce some of its impacts.
