A new type of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) sponge has been created which is much more effective at soaking up environmental threats such as oil. These sponges have magnetic properties which also make them much easier to retrieve once the clean-up job has been completed. The sponges are created in a way which makes them more buoyant, reusable and retrievable thanks to iron in the sponge’s structure.

This technology is capable of removing 3.5 times more pollutants from the waters than other previous methods.  The CNT sponges have improved absorption properties thanks to their porous nature. Before these sponges can be used on a commercial scale however, they need to be tested for their toxicity to ensure the product has no ecological threats.

With technology capable of absorbing engine oil more effectively than previously possible, the real test will be to minimise the environmental impact of an oil spill as a first response measure.