In an effort to combat the environmental impact of carbon dioxide emissions, Yang Yang, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has developed an innovative technology that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into useful fuels and chemicals. Yang's device captures carbon dioxide with a microsurface made of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer, extracting gaseous carbon dioxide and selectively converting it into carbon monoxide and formic acid. This breakthrough technology, detailed in a recent study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, aims to reduce carbon footprints sustainably while fulfilling the need for alternative energy sources. Yang's inspiration for the device came from nature itself, particularly the lotus plant, which has a hydrophobic surface that efficiently repels water. Mimicking this surface, Yang's technology separates water from the carbon dioxide conversion reaction, ensuring the effective conversion of carbon dioxide into chemicals. The technology converts carbon dioxide gas into various carbon-containing chemicals, offering a customizable and efficient process. The research addresses challenges such as managing water levels on catalytic materials to prevent the formation of hydrogen instead of converting carbon dioxide into chemicals. Yang highlights the significance of using environmentally sustainable electricity sources like solar or wind power in scaling up the technology. This innovative approach provides a faster and cost-effective alternative to traditional carbon capture methods, potentially revolutionizing the fight against climate change. Yang's technology sets the stage for developing larger-scale carbon dioxide capture methods, demonstrating the potential for rapid conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and fuels. Through collaborations with UCF's Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, NanoScience Technology Center, and Chemistry, the research aims to advance towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.