Scientists have developed a new kind of device that can turn harmful air pollution into electricity.
This invention, called the Gas Capture and Electricity Generator (GCEG), works by capturing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and converting them directly into usable energy.
The research, published in Energy & Environmental Science, was led by Ji-Soo Jang and involved collaboration with scientists from Ajou University and Chungbuk National University.
Their work offers a fresh way to deal with climate change by not only removing pollutants from the air but also turning them into a valuable resource.
Traditionally, technologies that capture carbon dioxide—often called carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)—focus on collecting and storing these gases to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.
However, these systems usually require a lot of energy to operate, which can limit their efficiency and increase costs.
The new GCEG device takes a very different approach. Instead of using energy to capture gases, it actually produces energy during the process.
When pollutants like CO₂ or NOₓ come into contact with the device, they stick to its surface in a process called adsorption.
This triggers tiny changes inside the device, including the movement of charged particles. These changes create a steady flow of electricity without needing any external power source.
The device is made using a combination of carbon-based materials and a gel-like substance known as hydrogel. Together, they form a special structure that allows these chemical reactions to happen efficiently. In simple terms, the pollution itself acts like fuel, powering the generation of electricity while being removed from the air.
This technology could have many practical uses in the future. For example, it could be used to power small environmental sensors that monitor air quality without needing batteries. It could also support Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which often require low levels of energy but are widely used in smart systems. In industrial settings, where large amounts of emissions are produced, the device could help reduce pollution while also generating extra power.
Researchers believe this innovation could play a role in building cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. By combining pollution control with energy production, it may help countries move closer to carbon neutrality, where greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by removal efforts.
Professor Ji-Soo Jang explained that this work changes how we think about pollution.
Instead of seeing greenhouse gases only as a problem, they could also be viewed as a new kind of energy source. The team hopes to continue developing the technology so it can be used on a larger scale in the future.
Source: KSR.
