a day ago
This device designed by Omani students slashes car emissions by 50%
MUSCAT: Students Omar bin Issa al Barmani and Tamim bin Yousef al Maamari, guided by their supervisor Majid bin Khalfan al Muqbali, have designed AEROCARBON — a low-cost, eco-friendly device that filters vehicle exhaust using fragments of barodite rock. The innovative filter works by triggering a chemical reaction between carbon dioxide, humidity, and the rock, converting the harmful gas into calcite, effectively reducing carbon emissions at the source.
The student team from Naeem bin Masoud Basic Education School in Al Batinah North Governorate won first place in the environmental category at ITEX 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The invention underwent rigorous testing at Sultan Qaboos University, which confirmed its effectiveness in significantly cutting exhaust emissions. The compact system includes a car exhaust filter, circular mesh, Arduino board, screen and carbon emission sensor — making it both practical and scalable.
It was also honoured with a special award from Saudi Arabia's Tuwaiq Academy, further cementing its regional significance.
Al Barmani said: 'The AeroCarbon device reduces carbon dioxide emissions from vehicle exhausts by installing a special filter containing braudtite rock fragments which convert carbon dioxide into calcite, an indicator of carbon dioxide absorption from vehicle exhaust. The development of the invention went through several steps, procedures and practical experiments. These included testing the sample before and after the experiment in a specialised laboratory at Sultan Qaboos University. The results proved the device reduced carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere.'
Al Maamari, said: 'The invention was selected from among the teams participating in the National Olympiad for National Innovations, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence through the Innovation and Scientific Olympiad Department in Al Batinah North Governorate. We received technical and scientific support through visits to the school, and through discussion sessions. The device achieved first place in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of scientific innovations in science and mathematics and represented the Sultanate of Oman at the ITEX 2025, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Al Maqbali, the student team supervisor, said: 'Participation in the exhibition was an opportunity and a global platform to exchange experiences with creators and innovators from different countries of the world, and to view various projects in all diverse scientific fields. The exhibition is a global platform and a window for specialists in the fields of inventions and innovations, investors and businessmen specialised in this field.
The two innovators aim to further reduce air pollution caused by vehicle exhaust fumes, utilise Oman's natural resources, use inexpensive, environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce air pollution in areas with high traffic density, and spread the culture of innovation among members of society. — ONA
