In recent years the natural gas and biogas become more popular sources of energy throughout the world due to their cleaner and more efficient combustion process as compared to coal and oil. However, the presence of pollutants in the gas, such as carbon dioxide, means that it must first be purified before it can be burnt as a fuel.

The scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new polymer membrane that can remove carbon dioxide from natural gas much faster than conventional materials. Besides, they do not require the use of toxic solvents, according to the website of the Institute.

A detailed description of the development is given in the journal Advanced Materials.