For developing a new technology that traps carbon dioxide and other pollutants so they can be removed, researchers from the University of Bath’s Dept. of Chemical Engineering (edlinks.chemengonline.com/6893-551) have received the £185,000 Brian Mercer Award for Innovation from the Royal Society. The technology, developed by Dr. Semali Perera with research officer Chin Chih Tai, uses nanoporous fibers that contain absorbants that trap CO2 or volatile organic compounds from exhaust streams. Laboratory trials show that the technology uses less than 5% of the energy needed by conventional gas-cleanning processes.
Colin Billet, the former CEO at domnick hunter group Plc. is now working with the University on a spin-out venture – nano-porous solutions Ltd. – to further develop and commercialize the technology.