Asphalt-Derived Porous Carbon (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Adding water to asphalt-derived porous carbon improves its ability to sequester carbon dioxide at natural gas wellheads, according to Rice University researchers. The porous particles in the illustration are combined with water and then heated to remove excess water from the pores. The water that remains binds to the pore structures. Under pressures above 20 atmospheres, the filter material sequesters carbon dioxide and allows methane molecules to pass through. Credit Almaz Jalilov/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.