George Fulham - 2021 cohort

George Fulham gf325@cam.ac.uk

UK

Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Churchill College

PhD thesis: On the conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide to methanol (working title)

Research interests:

1. Catalysis

2. Carbon dioxide utilisation

3. Energy systems modelling

4. Plasma chemistry

My PhD investigates integrating the capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide from the air with the production of methanol. With a global production close to 100 million tonnes per annum, methanol is a key platform chemical with emerging uses as a maritime fuel and precursor to aviation fuel, alongside widespread existing uses in the production of high-performance building materials and fuel additives. Moreover, methanol is a simple alcohol molecule, which exists as a liquid at ambient conditions, allowing for much easier storage and transport of captured carbon than as a gas (which requires costly high-pressure compression). However, methanol production is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuel feedstocks, and much of the current efforts in implementing green methanol production have relied on inefficiently applying these pre-existing process routes to utilise carbon dioxide in place of fossil fuels. In my work, I focus on alternative methods of methanol synthesis from carbon dioxide, taking in studies on catalyst design and aiming to directly integrate time-variable renewable power with dynamic methanol production.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

My research has largely been motivated by my work within the University’s Aviation Impact Accelerator over the past two summers. During this work, I looked at a broad range of alternative fuels and production routes and saw some of the shortcomings in the current literature on green fuels, which I aim to address in my research. Finally, I am fortunate to have been taught by numerous exceptional teachers who have helped develop my understanding and encouraged me to pursue my interests.