Abstract:

Smart materials have emerged as transformative tools in the fight against climate change, particularly in the domains of carbon capture and real-time air quality sensing. These advanced materials possess the ability to respond dynamically to environmental stimuli, making them ideal for applications where adaptability, sensitivity, and efficiency is critical. For carbon capture, smart materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and functionalized porous polymers exhibit high surface areas, tunable porosities, and selective gas adsorption properties, enabling them to effectively trap CO₂ even at low concentrations. Their reusability and energy-efficient regeneration further enhance their practical viability in industrial and environmental settings. In parallel, smart materials embedded in air quality sensing platforms—such as graphene-based sensors, conductive polymers, and nanostructured oxides—demonstrate remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response times for detecting pollutants like NOx, SOx, CO, O₃, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Integration with wireless communication and IoT infrastructure allows these materials to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of air quality, enabling rapid responses to environmental hazards and informed policy interventions. The convergence of carbon capture and air quality sensing within the framework of smart materials represents a promising strategy for sustainable environmental management and mitigation of anthropogenic emissions, aligning with global efforts toward cleaner air and climate resilience.