MSE Seminar – Prof. Ziyun WANG (7 May 2026)
7 5月 2026 (周四) | 04:00 下午 - 05:00 下午
MSE Seminar – Prof. Ziyun WANG (7 May 2026)
| Title: | Rational Catalyst Design For CO2 Electrochemical Reduction Reaction |
| Speaker: | Prof. Ziyun WANG Associate Professor School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland |
| Date: | 7 May 2026 (Thursday) |
| Time: | 4:00 – 5:00 pm |
| Venue: | Hong Kong Institute for Clean Energy, 6/F, Mong Man Wai Building |
| Abstract: | Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) offers a promising route for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels using renewable electricity. However, significant challenges remain in terms of product selectivity, energy efficiency, and long-term stability, particularly when using industrially-relevant CO2 sources. This talk will present recent advancements in CO2RR, drawing from several cutting-edge studies that address these challenges from multiple angles. In this talk, Prof. Wang will first introduce a general computational framework for catalyst design. Then, he will use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the reaction pathways of CO2RR to multiple products. The reaction barriers and enthalpy changes are calculated for the elementary steps considered in all the pathways on Cu(100). He will then introduce the selectivity determinants based on microkinetic modelling. He will discuss novel catalyst designs, including cationic-group-functionalized copper catalysts that enable stable acidic CO2 electrolysis with high selectivity towards multi-carbon products. The role of the catalyst-electrolyte interface in promoting CO2 activation while suppressing competing reactions will be examined. He will also explore system-level innovations, such as proton-exchange membrane electrolysers that achieve durable CO2 conversion to formic acid using recycled lead catalysts. Furthermore, He will address the critical issue of catalyst poisoning by trace impurities in industrial CO2 streams, presenting strategies to improve SO2 tolerance through rational catalyst and electrode design. The talk will highlight how these advances, combining computational chemistry and experiments, collectively push the boundaries of CO2RR performance. By integrating insights from catalyst development, reaction mechanisms, and electrolyser engineering, this work demonstrates significant progress towards making CO2 electrolysis a viable technology for large-scale carbon utilization and renewable fuel production. |
| Enquiries: | mse@cityu.edu.hk |