Dry Water Makes Waves in Fight Against Climate Change

Material absorbs CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

22 September 2010

Powdered material called "dry water," could provide a new way to store carbon dioxide in an effort to fight global warming.

Dry water looks a lot like fine white sand, which isn't surprising since what makes it dry is that each tiny water droplet is covered with water-repelling silica, the stuff of ordinary beach sand.

The coating makes it impossible for the water molecules to recombine and turn back into a liquid. And the fine powder that results can bond chemically with gases and form useful compounds called hydrates. University of Liverpool researcher Ben Carter says, Dry water is quick and easy to make. "by blending silicon and water together at high speeds."

Dry water is nothing new. Patented in 1968, it captured interest early on for its potential in the cosmetics industry. But in recent years Carter and his colleagues have focused on some important new uses for dry water's unique properties, beginning with its ability to bond with methane. They're hopeful that might someday provide a safer way to store methane fuel in natural gas-powered vehicles.

"Methane hydrate was our particular target, as the improved storage and transport of methane as natural gas is a key part of its development as a greener alternative to other fossil fuels," Carter says. "We've gone on to show that the same can be done with CO2, forming a CO2 hydrate, which will store three times as much CO2 in the same time using dry water as you would with bulk water."