Scientists have found a new way to fight climate change—by turning carbon dioxide (CO₂) into strong, fire-resistant building materials.
Inspired by coral reefs, this new method captures CO₂ from the air and uses it to create durable materials that could help make buildings carbon-negative.
That means they remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they produce.
The breakthrough comes from researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), who published their study in npj Advanced Manufacturing.
Unlike current carbon capture technologies, which usually store CO₂ underground or convert it into liquids (which can be expensive and inefficient), this method uses CO₂ to build.
The team looked at how ocean coral forms its hard skeletons. Coral pulls CO₂ from the water using photosynthesis and combines it with calcium to create strong, stone-like structures.
Using this idea, the researchers created a new process that mimics coral’s natural system.
They started by 3D-printing polymer (plastic) scaffolds—basically, tiny structures that act like coral skeletons. These were coated with a thin conductive layer and placed in a special calcium solution.
When CO₂ was added, it reacted with the calcium to form calcium carbonate, the same material found in coral and seashells. Over time, this mineral filled the pores of the scaffolds, turning them into solid, stone-like materials.
One of the most exciting findings is that the material is naturally fire-resistant. Even though the original plastic is not fireproof, once it’s filled with calcium carbonate, it can survive direct flames for up to 30 minutes.
The CO₂ released during heating seems to help put out the flames, making this material very safe for buildings.
The material can also “heal” itself. If it cracks, applying a small amount of electricity can restart the chemical reaction and repair the damage.
After testing, the team found the material actually absorbs more CO₂ than is used to make it. That means it has a negative carbon footprint, which is a huge win for the environment.
The researchers now plan to bring this technology to the market. Since construction causes about 11% of global CO₂ emissions, this new method could lead to buildings that help remove carbon from the air, not add to it.
This discovery could be a game-changer for the future of eco-friendly construction.
