Our mathematician, Dr Aaron Thornton, was named a 2012 Victorian Young Tall Poppy last night, awarded for his research into carbon dioxide and molecular gas.

Aaron recently discovered exciting, new crystals called zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) that can capture and remove carbon dioxide from air and water.

Aaron and his team are developing materials with these crystals that act like a net to trap and separate carbon dioxide from other gases. ZIFs could eventually help industry to meet new carbon performance targets by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Watch Aaron talk about the award and his research:

The Victorian Young Tall Poppy awards were held at the Bio21 Institute in Parkville last night and recognised the achievements of Australia’s outstanding young scientists.