Light-Triggered CO2 Breathing Foam via Nonsurfactant High Internal Phase Emulsion.

Solid materials for CO2 capture and storage have attracted enormous attention for gaseous separation, environmental protection, and climate governance. However, their preparation and recovery meet the problems of high energy and financial cost. Herein, a controllable CO2 capture and storage process is accomplished in an emulsion-templated polymer foam, in which CO2 is breathed-in under dark and breathed-out under light illumination. Such a process is likely to become a relay of natural CO2 capture by plants that on the contrary breathe out CO2 at night. Recyclable CO2 capture at room temperature and release under light irradiation guarantee its convenient and cost-effective regeneration in industry. Furthermore, CO2 mixed with CH4 is successfully separated through this reversible breathing in and out system, which offers great promise for CO2 enrichment and practical methane purification.