Research summary
Fossil fuels are a finite resource—and consuming them releases CO2, contributing to climate change. Electrochemical methods could offer a greener way to produce fuels and feedstocks. But current systems suffer from low energy-conversion efficiency, and unfortunately, this is impeding their commercialization.
Dr. Ali Seifitokaldani, Canada Research Chair in Electrocatalysis for Renewable Energy Production and Conversion, is developing a new, efficient electrochemical system that will combine CO2 reduction and biomass waste oxidation to improve energy efficiency at an industrially relevant, high-current density. Ultimately, he and his research team hope to make renewable energy production and conversion more commercially viable.