artificial tree caputring CO2

We are very close to natural trees. Yes! Friends you have seen natural trees. But did you hear about artificial trees. Scientists working on this artificial tree project since 1998 got a great success in achieving his goal. Scientists at the Columbia University, USA, have announced that they have reached an advanced stage of developing an artificial tree structure that can capture carbon dioxide (CO2) 1,000 times faster than a real tree. Scientists working on this project since 1998 are optimistic about a near-future application.

Why it has become so important?

This artificial tree would be able to consume (absorb) 1,000 times the natural tree consumes. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has gone too much. Due to CO2 we are facing global warming and we need to reduce as much as possible.

Did new power plants reduce carbon dioxide emission?

It may be mentioned here that modern improvements in coal-fired power plants have already reduced carbon emissions considerably. They are using electrostatic precipitator to separate dust and ashes from the smoke of the chimney.

What is the need of this artificial tree?

However, the scientists involved in the project are seeking a different function. The artificial “tree” would be used to trap carbon that has already been emitted into the air by car fuel or aero plane fuel. Unlike real trees, the synthetic tree does not need direct sunlight, water, a trunk or branches to function. The structure looks more like a cylinder that a conventional tree. The artificial tree is flexible in size and can be placed nearly anywhere.

How does this artificial tree work?

It works by collection CO2 on a sorbent, cleaning and pressurizing the gas, and then releasing it, imitating the way in which a sponge collects Water, the sorbent would collect CO2. Resin filters on top of the structure would capture CO2 from the ambient air. The CO2 is then removed at the bottom using a series of moisture and compression techniques.

How much it can absorb carbon dioxide and what would be cost?

Each synthetic tree would absorb one tone of CO2 per day, eliminating an amount of gas equivalent to that produced by 20 cars. Although the new technology provides an exciting prospect, manufacturing the structure would be expensive. As per the latest information available, each unit would reportedly cost about $30,000 to make.