Synthetic ‘tree’ to catch carbon for a greener living

In the age of global warming and the green house effect, Klaus Lackner, a professor of geophysics at the Columbia University, has been working on developing a structure that can capture carbon 1,000 times faster than a real tree. Lackner has been working on this synthetic tree concept since 1998 and is very optimistic about the application of this innovative product in the near future. This structure looks like a cylinder rather than a fully grown tree and traps carbon emitted in the environment by cars and other industrial activities. Lackner claims the structure is flexible and can be placed anywhere. It works by collecting carbon dioxide on a sorbent, cleaning and pressurizing the gas, and releasing it.

The concept does look exciting and will help curb the harmful effects of carbon on our environment. But manufacturing the structures would be expensive, as each unit would cost up to $30,000 approximately. Lackner and his team are still very optimistic about the project and have met with U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu to discuss the concept. A prototype of this project will be ready within three years.
[Cnet]