Research summary
As the world looks for ways to reduce carbon emissions and build more sustainable economies, researchers are turning to electrocatalysis to help transform captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals. This emerging field offers a way to use electricity to recycle CO2, potentially creating greener fuels and industrial materials. As Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Interfacial Electrocatalysts, Dr. Eva Nichols is developing catalysts designed to improve the speed, efficiency and selectivity of CO2 conversion.
By studying both well-defined molecular catalysts and modified electrode surfaces, she and her research team are revealing how the structure of a catalyst—and its chemical surroundings—can affect performance. Combining synthesis, electrochemistry and spectroscopy, their research is uncovering key reaction steps and contributing to the design of better systems. Their findings could lead to cleaner, more efficient CO2 conversion technologies, supporting Canada’s climate goals and advancing sustainable chemical manufacturing.