Tossell recognized that these qualities might make it useful as an industrial absorbent for removing carbon dioxide.

Several designs are being developed, but they involve variations on the same theme. In each case air is brought into contact with a “sorbent” material, which binds chemically with the carbon dioxide.

Scientists are also worried that, as carbon dioxide emissions rise, the ocean will absorb greater amounts of the greenhouse gas, shifting the chemistry of seawater.