Chibueze Amanchukwu, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), has been named a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar for his work to address energy challenges related to climate change.
The CIFAR program aims to boost the potential of early-career researchers pursuing high-risk, high-reward ideas. The program provides $80,000 in unrestricted research support in addition to mentorship, global networking, and professional skills development.
“I’m incredibly thrilled to receive the CIFAR award as it connects my group with excellent researchers worldwide and provides skills and training opportunities beyond research,” said Amanchukwu. “The award is also external validation of our ideas and efforts to transform the field of CO2 conversion with a greater focus on using the electrolyte as a key component.”
Amanchukwu’s current research re-envisions CO2 as a resource for a new chemical industry. His research group aims to exploit electrolyte effects to enhance the conversion of CO2 and H2O into desired products, such as ethylene. This would allow industries to turn captured CO2 into something that can be resold and used to make other goods. Ethylene, for example, is used to manufacture a vast range of products including polyester, vinyl siding, and food packaging.
More broadly, Amanchukwu’s lab seeks to better understand electrolyte interactions, particularly as they relate to carbon capture technology and advanced battery chemistries, which are leading technologies poised to help slow climate change. To do this, his lab is developing a novel electrolyte platform that will enable the formulation of modular, tailor-made electrolytes. Their work could also potentially open the door to safer, longer-lasting, higher-capacity batteries, which means more sustainable energy storage.
“Humanity faces many complex and pressing challenges, from income inequality to climate change,” said Dr. Alan Bernstein, O.C., president and CEO of CIFAR. “We need creative and talented scholars and scientists, especially the next generation of investigators, to contribute to the global effort to address these challenges and exciting science questions. It is of utmost importance to provide opportunity for this next generation of innovative thinkers.”
For two years, scholars will join one of CIFAR’s 12 research programs, where they will collaborate with CIFAR fellows. This year’s cohort will be contributing to a variety of programs, including the Bio-inspired Solar Energy, Child & Brain Development, Gravity & the Extreme Universe, Learning in Machines & Brains, Quantum Information Science, and Quantum Materials efforts. Once the term ends, many scholars continue to contribute to the CIFAR community, joining as fellows, chairs, or workshop participants.
Amanchukwu and 17 other scholars were selected from more than 200 eligible applications from 32 countries. The chosen scholars represent Canada, Chile, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.