Achievement

Modern challenges in sustainability are inherently molecular in origin. The development of practical alternative energy technologies relies on understanding the molecular processes that govern solar energy conversion, photochemical water splitting, and catalysis. Prof. Paul Chirik (Chemistry) developed an educational module, targeted at a general scientific audience, that provided a broad perspective of the molecular problems at the core of sustainability. Modern challenges, both industrial and academic, that range from responsible carbon management to reducing fossil fuel dependencies were addressed. This module included an extensive discussion of the challenges associated with capturing solar photons and converting them into electrical and chemical energy. The possibility of turning carbon dioxide from a pollutant to a resource was addressed in the context of carbon dioxide reduction and functionalization.