Performing a electrochemical CO2 reduction experiment

Author: Thomas Hollis | Major: Chemistry | Semester: Spring 2022

My name is Thomas Hollis, and I am a Chemistry major in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.  Dr. Robert Coridan, my research mentor, works in the Biochemistry and Chemistry Department.  My research particularly involves CO₂ reduction, or the splitting of CO₂ gas in order to create high energy compounds like CO or C.  This work is important today as energy and fuel are both valuable commodities. Finding the most affordable and efficient way to recycle waste products like CO₂ can lead to a reliable renewable energy source and help preserve the environment.  This electrochemical process is similar to the biological process also performed by plants.  Ideally, experimental processes can be used in all CO₂ environments (like Mars) to generate new energy in any location.

This semester I surged forward in my research concerning the liquid metal, Gallium Indium, and its surface wetting properties.  For my proposal, the goal was to find the most ideal way to extend the liquid electrode and analyze its wetting properties (hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions) on a variety of substrate materials.  Through a preparation process of mechanical polishing, the Gallium Indium became adherent through micro surface interactions.  Electrochemical CO₂ reduction was performed in non-aqueous electrolyte solutions such as acetonitrile.  From everything observed, the Gallium Indium catalyst provides reductive properties of CO₂ to CO on par with expensive metals such as gold.  In Fall 2022, my research will focus on determining ways to extend the electrode even more or possibly functionalizing the electrode with other metals to lead to even better catalytic rates.

At the end of Spring 2022, I was able to present my research for the Chemistry Department’s Honors Poster Symposium.  Undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors were all welcome to visit and ask about ongoing research projects from Juniors and Seniors in the Honors College.  This opportunity allowed me t practice presentation of my research and prepare for my Honors Thesis defense that I will give next spring 2023.

I met my research mentor, Dr. Coridan, through my Chemistry for Majors II course I took in the spring of my Freshman year.  As I enjoyed him in class, I reached out after the semester ended to see if there were any undergraduate research opportunities available in his lab.  Dr. Coridan allowed me to choose between a variety of projects associated with his research and let me choose which graduate student to work alongside as well.  As I started research early in my chemistry career, there was a steep learning curve for me as I entered this lab full of highly educated and knowledgeable post-graduates.  With my graduate student and Dr. Coridan’s help, I was able to quickly expand my knowledge to become a helpful member of the team.  My graduate student, Hamed Mehrabi, has been a huge part of my research experience in teaching me about the electrochemical methods and instruments used to conduct this research.  Dr. Coridan provided specific educational sessions for the undergraduates to help get us up to speed with the nuances of our research.  With the teams’ help, not only have I greatly expanded my knowledge on electrochemistry, but I developed a better understanding of the scientific method, as well as learned how to question results and look at a problem from many angles.  Many times we faced difficult challenges, such as the electrochemical cell or experiment not behaving as predicted, and much thought and debugging were required to find the most ideal experimental conditions.

Our group grew closer as we shared lunch outings with the graduate students and were treated by Dr. Coridan to after-hours team-building gatherings.  Building bonds with the entire lab in casual, non-work settings helped group morale, and these more personal relationships enriched our productivity and creativity in the lab-setting.

Overall, the opportunity to do chemistry research in a laboratory environment is one that has taught me much, and I look forward to continuing through Fall of 2022.