Researchers in Germany have now reported the development and manufacturing of nanometric thin film membranes with record performance. By combining a CO2-philic polymer design with controlled nanofabrication conditions they have achieved defect-free selective layers far thinner than 100 nm. These membranes exhibit unmatched high CO2 permeance combined with high selectivity and stability.

The burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil pumps billions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually, changing the world's climate in the process. It is estimated that approximately one third of total world carbon dioxide emissions come from energy production in power plants. One possible option for reducing CO2 emissions from power plants is to capture them before they hit the atmosphere and store the gas underground. This technique is called Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage.