U.S. Researchers have created a sponge-like plastic that could cut the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the country.

This plastic can gather CO₂ emission and help ease the transition from fossil fuels to new energy sources.

Andrew Cooper, one the researchers, said that the polymer used in creating this plastic is stable and absorbs CO₂ well.

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He believes that this product can lead the way to a fuel-cell technology which can give way to zero-emission technology.

Cooper said that microporous organic polymer is a powerful adsorbent commonly used to remove greenhouse gas pollutants from smokestacks and power plants.

He explained that the microporous organic polymer, aside from its anti-pollution function, can also be used for different applications.

Researchers announced that this new material will be part of the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)

IGCCs are products that can convert fossil fuels into hydrogen gas and can jumpstart the hydrogen economy.

The polymer that researchers used was inspired by polystyrene, used in styrofoam and other packaging material.

It absorbs CO₂ by swelling up, researchers said.

They explained that the polymer works best under high pressure but when the pressure drops the absorbent deflates and releases the CO_2.

Cooper said that the spongy polymers can be easily embedded in the membranes that can remove CO₂ emission.

He said that researchers could harness the strength of two combined scrubbers that could make a better absorbent.

Researchers hope that their finding could help President Obama's plan to cut 30 percent of CO₂ emissions of the United States by 2030.

They also hope that their finding could be integrated to power plant smokestacks in the future.