Sydney researcher honoured by Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science has recognised the work of a University of Sydney researcher using renewable electricity to convert carbon dioxide into products such as ethylene – a basic chemical component of plastic.

Dr Fengwang Li from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering was awarded the Academy’s Le Fèvre Medal, which recognises outstanding basic research in chemistry.

The Australian Academy of Science recognises scientists from across the country in its annual Honorific Awards, which celebrate the achievements of leading minds and emerging scientific luminaries working to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. The Australian Academy of Science is an independent organisation compiled of of distinguished Australian scientists who champion science for the benefit of all.  

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney Professor Julie Cairney said:

“This recognition of Fengwang’s work is well deserved. His tireless work aiming for a ‘greener’ carbon neutral future exemplifies the type of fundamental research that forms the bedrock of future innovation and advances in industry. I’m delighted his dedication to the field is being acknowledged.”

“Our nation boasts distinguished scientists whose research is making great strides towards new scientific discoveries. The annual Honorific Awards present an opportunity for the Academy to recognise these burgeoning and established researchers and their invaluable research,” President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Chennupati Jagadish said.

“On behalf of the Academy, I congratulate this year’s awardees who have all made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.”

Dr Fengwang Li’s research focuses on creating new techniques to transform captured carbon dioxide into valuable products.

Greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide are the main contributer to climate change and a range of associated issues. The research and development of carbon capture and sequestration technology is gaining interest as means of removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

However, carbon dioxide currently has low economic value, so for this process to become economically viable, new techniques are required to add value to the captured carbon, which is the focus of a new method that is able to convert carbon dioxide into other chemical compounds, such ethylene, a crucial molecule for plastic production.

“I am passionate about this, and I am excited because we don’t have time to wait. We need to identify a method that can accelerate the process so we can convert these discoveries into something that can make a bigger impact on our daily lives – this is what my research will continue to find a solution to.”