Yayuan Liu
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Johns Hopkins University

Date: February 22, 2023
Time: 1300–1400h ET
Sponsor: BioLogic

Carbon capture is considered a critical means for climate change mitigation. Unfortunately, conventional thermochemical methods suffer from high energy consumption, motivating the search for more efficient carbon dioxide separation strategies driven by non-thermal stimuli. In this talk, I share our research efforts on developing materials and processes for electrochemically mediated carbon capture. First, I present a library of electrochemically tunable Lewis bases with redox-active nitrogen centers that can reversibly capture and release carbon dioxide through a reduction-oxidation cycle. The mechanisms of the carbon capture process are elucidated via a combined experimental and computational approach. I show that the properties of these Lewis base sorbents can be fine tuned via rational molecular design and electrolyte engineering. I then discuss challenges and opportunities for sorbent and electrochemical reactor designs toward practical carbon capture processes driven by electrochemical stimuli. (more…)

A research strategy for ocean carbon dioxide removal and sequestration

This summer, you may find yourself on the shore’s edge admiring the vastness and beauty of the ocean. There’s a lot going on in there! According to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the ocean covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface and buffers a large fraction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions—removing roughly 55% of emitted CO2 naturally. BUT, it may be possible to enhance both the uptake and longer-term sequestration potential of these processes. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is looking to do just that and are currently soliciting nominations for individuals to serve on the Committee on A Research Strategy for Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal and Sequestration. (more…)