ASU's new  Center for Negative Carbon Emissions, led by faculty in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, aims to show that capturing excess carbon dioxide is a viable way to stabilize and reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. With novel technology that uses plastic resin to capture carbon dioxide when dry and release it when moist, the center transcends  the limitations of traditional carbon reduction approaches.

The center also intends to show the economic viability of carbon capture by demonstrating its many uses. Recycled carbon could power the production of synthetic fuels, as well as provide an essential food source for plants in greenhouses. In fact, carbon dioxide collected by air capture units could enhance the yield of algae-based biofuels.

In light of its groundbreaking work, the center expects to find a place within ASU's sustainable solutions framework alongside LightWorks, PlanetWorks and the ASU Wrigley Institute.