Researchers have developed a new membrane technology that allows for more efficient removal of CO2 from mixed gases, such as emissions from power plants. The proposed new textile-based filter combines cotton fabric and an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase–one of nature’s tools for speeding chemical reactions. Membranes don’t take up much physical space, can be made in a wide variety of sizes, and can be easily replaced. These filters work by allowing CO2 to pass through the membrane more quickly than the other constituents in the mixed gas. As a result, the gas passing out the other side of the membrane has a higher proportion of CO2 than the gas entering the membrane. By capturing the gas passing out of the membrane, you capture more of the CO2 than you do of the other constituent gases.
Story Source: North Carolina State University
https://news.ncsu.edu/2022/06/textile-filter-testing-shows-promise-for-carbon-capture/