New Paint Absorbs CO2

Posted under Blog by Ruth

The latest development in reducing carbon emissions is a paint, to be used in homes, which can help to absorb CO2.

The new ‘smart paint’ has been developed by Dr Rachel Armstrong, of University College London, and can help to tackle the problem of domestic carbon emissions.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 27% of all carbon emissions in the UK are as a result of domestic housing.

Measures such as double glazing can go a long way to help keep homes insulated, reducing the need for heating and keeping energy bills down. Measures such as this, alongside insulation, are a good way to help reduce your carbon footprint.

However, the new paint could go a little further to help absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is not yet known, however, how successful the paint will be. It is thought it could help the UK to meet its carbon reduction targets by 2020 – which aim for a 34% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The paint reacts with the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, to produce a substance known as calcium carbonate, which is a main ingredient of limestone and alcohol.

The resulting substance can, in turn, provide extra strength and insulation, as well as soaking up carbon emissions in the atmosphere. The creator, Dr Armstrong, has high aspirations for her new invention.

Dr Armstrong is also planning to adapt the technology to use underwater, to help create an artificial limestone reed that can help to stop Venice from sinking.