From foundational smog research to new work on carbon capture, SRI has continuously turned science into environmental impact.
This Earth Day, it’s worth reflecting on the breadth of SRI’s environmental impact — from foundational atmospheric science to emerging carbon capture technologies. SRI researchers have deepened our understanding of planetary risks, developed cleaner energy solutions, and created practical technologies that could make everyday life more sustainable.
Smog research
When smog choked Los Angeles in the 1940s, SRI helped the nation begin to understand the scale and seriousness of air pollution. Its research, symposia, and editorial leadership on the Air Pollution Handbook shaped early public dialogue and policy momentum in the era that led up to the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955.
Solar energy innovation
SRI played an early convening role in solar energy research, including co-hosting the first World Symposium on Applied Solar Energy in 1955. Since then, SRI has continued to deliver solar solutions, from the world’s first amorphous solar silicon cell created at David Sarnoff Research Center (now part of SRI) to more recent work on photovoltaic materials and solar-grade silicon.
Ozone depletion research
SRI conducted award-winning research that clarified how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to the depletion of stratospheric ozone, strengthening scientific understanding of a global environmental threat. The resulting paper won the prestigious Newcomb-Cleveland Award for the best paper in Science magazine in 1987.
Mixed Salt Process for carbon capture
SRI invented the Mixed Salt Process (MSP) to make carbon capture more practical and affordable for energy and industrial operators working to reduce emissions. Using commodity chemicals and a more environmentally friendly solvent system, the technology aims to lower energy use, water use, and operating costs compared with conventional approaches. The technology has been licensed to Baker Hughes and recently underwent a new engineering-scale evaluation phase at the National Carbon Capture Center.
Self-Cooling Paint
As extreme heat puts growing pressure on people, infrastructure, and power systems, SRI has developed a water-based Self-Cooling Paint that allows outdoor, sky-facing coated surfaces to be significantly cooler than the ambient temperature. In addition to its direct cooling effect, the paint avoids PFAS and reduces volatile organic compounds relative to solvent-based alternatives.
Carbon-capturing aerogels
SRI’s newest sustainability work reaches beyond Earth: Researchers will soon be synthesizing carbon-capturing aerogels on the International Space Station to study how these materials form in microgravity. SRI has been developing these carbon-capturing wonder materials for years. The goal of the ISS experiment is to design better, more efficient aerogels for direct air capture on Earth — a striking example of how space-based research can support climate solutions here at home. Now orbiting aboard the ISS, the samples are scheduled to return to earth in late June for analysis.
Earth Day is a moment to reflect. At SRI, it’s also a reminder of how science can deliver meaningful solutions — and how much more there is to do.
Learn more about how SRI is developing technologies for a cleaner tomorrow.
