ASU physicist on a quest to capture carbon

Klaus Lackner altered the course of his research pursuits when it struck him that his expertise in physics could be applied to reducing one of the harmful impacts of climate change.

He has since been focusing on developing technology to pull carbon dioxide out of the air. The use of fossil fuels has contributed to the increase of carbon dioxide – one of the "greenhouse" gasses that trap heat in the atmosphere.

After many years at Columbia University in New York, Lackner now bases his efforts at Arizona State University, where he directs the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions and is a professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, one of ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

A science news website that focuses on developments in applied physics recently detailed Lackner’s promising carbon-capture endeavors. A distinguished colleague says Lackner’s work has the potential to provide a significant solution to challenges posed by climate change.