TAF Class of 2023, Miao Yu - University at Buffalo

Membrane for Highly Efficient CO2 Capture
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants, cement factories and other industries is a significant driver of global warming, ocean acidification, and climate change. SUNY Empire Innovation Professor Miao Yu aims to stop the flow of this heat-trapping greenhouse gas at the source.
Yu’s work is guided by deep fundamental understanding of nanoporous materials and materials synthesis. His long-term goals are to commercialize technologies developed from his research to have a positive impact on the environment.
Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Yu’s research team at the University at Buffalo RENEW Center has created a new membrane technology that achieves a 95 percent capture rate for CO2. “Our technology is super selective, cost-effective, scalable and energy-efficient,” Yu says. “While other technologies use energy to capture CO2, ours removes CO2 without adding to the carbon footprint.”
Yu received a TAF Class of 2023 investment to conduct proof-of-concept validation required to attract external investors. “The TAF funding provides the bridge that will bring our carbon capture technology to the next stage,” Yu explains.
In addition to CO2 capture/removal, Yu’s research group is developing carbon conversion technologies to transform CO2 into valuable products in an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly manner.