Columbia’s Jingguang Chen to Discuss Carbon Conversion Innovations

On October 28, Professor Jingguang Chen of Columbia University will deliver a lecture focusing on the advancement of technologies for upgrading carbon dioxide and biogas into value-added products. The Ensor Lecture, scheduled from noon to 1 p.m., will take place in the senior ballroom of the Compton Union Building on the Pullman campus. A reception will precede the lecture at 10:30 a.m.

Addressing carbon dioxide emissions is critical as fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in the energy sector. Chen’s talk will explore how converting carbon dioxide into valuable products can significantly mitigate these emissions. He will highlight the thermochemical conversion process that transforms carbon dioxide into substances such as olefins, oxygenates, and carbon nanofibers. A key component of this process involves the use of hydrogen, which should ideally be produced through water electrolysis to achieve a net-negative carbon dioxide footprint.

Challenges and Innovations in Electrocatalysis

Despite its potential, large-scale implementation of water electrolysis faces challenges, particularly due to the high costs associated with precious metal electrocatalysts. The need for materials such as platinum for hydrogen evolution and iridium for oxygen evolution adds significant financial burdens to the process. During his lecture, Chen will discuss his group’s recent progress in developing more cost-effective electrocatalysts and the use of tandem thermochemical and electrochemical reactors for the production of carbon nanofibers.

Chen, who holds a joint appointment at Brookhaven National Laboratory, is an authority in the field with over 500 journal publications and more than 20 United States patents to his name. His research centers on understanding carbides, nitrides, and bimetallic catalysts, which are pivotal for both thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis. He has held several notable leadership roles, including chair of the Catalysis Division of the American Chemical Society and president of the North American Catalysis Society. Additionally, he co-founded the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium in 2025, which is supported by the Department of Energy to aid catalysis researchers in employing synchrotron techniques.

Legacy of the Ensor Lectureship

The Ensor Lectureship was established through the generosity of David Ensor and his wife, Sara. Their philanthropic efforts reflect a deep commitment to higher education and the empowerment it brings. David Ensor, a graduate of Washington State University in 1963, later earned his master’s and PhD from the University of Washington. He has extensive expertise in aerosol and air pollution science and has contributed to international standards development as a U.S. delegate to the International Organization for Standardization.

Throughout his career, Ensor has engaged in significant research and development, culminating in his retirement from RTI International. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the White House’s Hammer Award and the Meritorious Service Award from the American National Standards Institute.

As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, Chen’s lecture promises to shed light on innovative solutions that could transform how we approach carbon emissions. The Ensor Lecture serves not only as a platform for knowledge sharing but also as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to education and research in addressing global challenges.