A new scientific breakthrough has been recorded after scientists at Queen's University-Belfast successfully created a porous liquid, according to ChemEurope. The porous liquid has various properties including the ability to capture carbon.

The newly invented liquid can capture enormous amounts of gas, which are eventually dissolved into the 'pores' of the liquid.

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This new substance was discovered by researchers in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in Queen's University. The team also collaborated with researchers from the University of Liverpool and some international partners.

The development of the porous liquid took almost three years. This achievement is expected to create a path for a more natural chemical process.

Carbon capture, the most viable property of the porous liquid, can potentially trap carbon dioxide from its major sources.

A fossil-fuel power plant may be deemed less harmful the noxious fumes it prodices can be intercepted and dissolved via carbon capture. This will result in a cleaner atmosphere.

"Materials which contain more permanent holes, or pores, are technologically important. They are used for manufacturing a range of products from plastic bottles to petrol," said Stuart James, a Professor in Queen's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

James added that porous materials have been in the form of solids. He described the process of designing a special liquid from 'bottom up' and also modifying the shapes of the molecules so that the liquid can't take much space.

The Professor noted that since the liquid already possessed holes, it can dissolve unusually huge amounts of gas. The discovery has led to the further exploration of substances that rely on gas dissolution.

"A few years research will be needed, but if we can find applications for these porous liquids they could result in new improved, chemical processes," said James.

TagsPorous liquid, new breakthrough, Science, Chemistry