Speaker:

Prof. Leow Wan Ru, Nanyang Technological University.

Tittle: Powering chemicals production with renewable electricity

Time: 16:30 June 1st, 2026 (Monday)

Venue: Lecture hall, Building No.4

Host: Prof. Shenlong Zhao

Abstract:

The partial oxidation of organic molecules is an important class of reactions for the production of everyday commodities. Every year, billion tons of CO2 are emitted due to the dependence of such partial oxidations on fossil-fuel-powered thermal control, and the tendency of these hydrocarbons tend to oxidize all the way to CO2. If we can develop high selectivity partial oxidations that are powered by renewable energy, we will be able to cut these associated CO2 emissions by half. In this talk, I will discuss the life-cycle-assessment of electrochemical partial oxidations, with regards to their impact on cutting CO2 emissions in the chemicals industry. I will also talk about our research work on electrocatalyst:mediator assemblies to enable the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygenates at high current densities. These studies open opportunities for the development of alternative chemicals manufacturing routes towards a sustainable and decarbonized economy.

Info.:

Leow Wan Ru is a Nanyang Assistant Professor in Nanyang Technological University and jointly a Principal Scientist in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). She received the Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) Fellowship, Class of 2024, L'Oreal Women in Science Singapore, MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific. Prior to that, Wan Ru was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto. She received her Ph.D. in 2017 from the School of Materials Science and Engineering Nanyang Technological University. Her research interests are focused on the study and design of novel and efficient photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems for decarbonized chemical conversions..