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Iranian researcher develops innovative approach to convert CO2
The research project, titled “Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide on Metal Complex/Carbon Nanomaterial Modified Electrode,” was supported by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and aims to address the pressing environmental concerns related to carbon dioxide emissions.
With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Bu-Ali Sina University, Varmaghani explained the significance of her work, “Electrochemical catalysts play a crucial role in enhancing chemical reactions by lowering the energy potential, making the reaction more thermodynamically favorable, and increasing reaction kinetics without being consumed in the process.”
The focus of her research is on harnessing renewable energy sources with minimal environmental impact.
She emphasized the importance of designing molecular catalysts to improve the efficiency of energy conversion processes, stating, “An ideal catalyst should facilitate higher current densities at lower excess potentials.”
Varmaghani highlighted the deep-rooted reliance on fossil fuels, which has led to a continuous increase in energy consumption and a subsequent rise in carbon dioxide emissions.
She cited reports indicating a positive correlation between stored carbon dioxide and global warming, underscoring its impact on natural climate variations and the
environment.
While acknowledging the exploration of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, Varmaghani pointed out limitations and technical challenges associated with their large-scale industrial application.
Varmaghani explained that carbon dioxide is an important natural resource and a synthetic raw material for many products.
She said, “Converting carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuel using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power is a highly promising approach.” However, she also noted the challenges in carbon dioxide reduction.