The University of Queensland has launched a research initiative aimed at transforming carbon dioxide from a climate change challenge into a valuable resource.
The initiative brings together world-leading experts and talented early career researchers, all working towards science that aims to pave the way to net zero emissions by 2050, with Australia at the forefront.
Named the ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide (GETCO2), this ambitious project focuses on converting CO2 into useful products like fuels and chemicals.
Led by professor Xiwang Zhang from UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering, GETCO2 is a $45 million, seven-year collaboration involving seven Australian universities, industry, and government partners.
“With electrochemical conversion, CO2 is transformed from being the biggest problem of our time to a valuable resource,” said Zhang.
A notable project at UQ has already developed a device that generates electricity by absorbing CO2.
This innovation positioned professor Zhang and Dr. Zhuyuan Wang as finalists for the 2024 Eureka Prize for Innovative Research in Sustainability.
Their proof-of-concept nanogenerator is carbon negative, consuming greenhouse gases while generating power.
“Imagine in the future a device like this powering a mobile phone or a laptop computer using CO2 from the atmosphere,” said Zhang.
“On a larger scale, this technology could integrate with industrial CO2 capture processes to produce electricity. It is very exciting, and we will keep developing this technology and many others at GETCO2.”
The legacy of GETCO2 will include advanced technologies and skilled professionals equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the future.
The Centre, based in UQ’s Andrew N. Liveris Building, was officially launched on July 30, 2024, by Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm.