As we move towards a net zero society, many in academia pose the question as to whether their sectors of R&D are relevant to this vision of the future, and this discussion will pose the question specifically for porous materials in the areas of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as well as carbon dioxide reduction (CDR).
Porous materials can be used for CO2 capture from point sources and from the air; can be used as catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into value added products or in the transport of greenhouse gases. Finally, it should not be forgotten that the permanent sequestration of CO2 is carried out in a porous material. We will discover how fundamental research is still necessary for new uses of porous materials and to understand the behavior of confined species – maintaining the aim of greenhouse gas mitigation.