The global climate change situation is extremely severe and has become one of the major challenges facing human society today. Human activities, especially since the Industrial Revolution, have burned large quantities of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, emitted huge amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases continue to accumulate in the atmosphere, like wrapping the earth with a thicker and thicker "quilt", causing global temperatures to continue to rise.
On February 28, Dr. Adrian Fisher, Ph.D., from Oxford University, professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Cambridge University and founder of the Center for Electrochemical Science and Technology Research (CREST), was invited to hold an academic lecture entitled "The Future of Electrification" at the Faragut School in Tianjin. As a leader in the field of international electrochemistry, Professor Fisher's sharing not only reveals the core role of electrochemical technology in global energy transformation, but also outlines a scientific picture of the low-carbon future for teachers and students present through vivid cases and forward-looking insights.
Energy Revolution practitioners from Cambridge to the world
Professor Adrian Fisher has always been committed to promoting the application of electrochemical technology in industrial manufacturing. His research has covered the development of hydrogen production by electrolytic water, the development of highly selective electrocatalytic materials and low-carbon chemical production technology. He has published more than 200 papers in top journals such as Nature Energy and American Chemical Society, and has deeply participated in the interdisciplinary cooperation of the Cambridge University Energy Network (energycambridge).
How electrification reshapes the industrial and energy landscape
Professor Fisher cut through the current situation of global carbon emissions, pointing out that the chemical industry accounts for 23% of global carbon emissions, and electrochemical technology can reduce carbon emissions to 1/3 of traditional methods through electrolysis processes driven by renewable energy. The United Nations and the challenges facing, in which energy is at the heart of the challenge of climate change. Emphasizing the seriousness of carbon emissions, it is pointed out that carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas, which contributes significantly to global warming, and is very stable in the atmosphere and can exist for a long time. Then, through a chart showing the sharp increase in carbon dioxide emissions since the Industrial Revolution, and the process of global warming gradually becoming accepted by most people. Projections based on quantitative systems and the potentially drastic impact of climate change on society underscore the urgency of changing the status quo
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ Measures to combat climate change and the concept of the circular economy Stop using fossil fuels, promote the electrification of transportation and use renewable energy to generate electricity are important measures to combat climate change. The circular economy concept emphasizes reducing energy losses, reducing carbon emissions through recycling, and imitating the natural carbon cycle to achieve sustainable development.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ Goals and challenges in achieving carbon neutrality Despite measures taken, the large amount of carbon dioxide emitted by humans has caused the global average temperature to rise. The goal is to keep it within 2 degrees Celsius, and it is now approaching the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Achieving carbon neutrality is difficult and requires the joint efforts of the whole society. The concept of circular economy is crucial.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ The development and application examples of artificial intelligence The application of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more widespread. As early as the 1950s, Alan Turing began to think about it. Taking the charging of electric vehicles as an example, artificial intelligence can optimize energy use and show practical application value. The role and challenges of artificial intelligence in daily life. Artificial intelligence plays an important role in transportation and other aspects, but the current level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to rise, and technologies such as artificial intelligence need to be used to meet climate challenges. Energy transition and career development suggest that climate change affects agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure, and guidelines need to be followed, such as increasing the use of solar panels and wind turbines, and controlling sea level rise. Energy transition is a task for the whole society, and the financial system will change, which will affect career choices. Students are advised to make good career plans.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ Jobs and challenges in the energy transition The energy transition is full of challenges, but it presents opportunities for knowledge-intensive workers. By 2050, there will be more jobs in renewable energy technologies and less attractive jobs related to fossil fuels. The new generation should seize the opportunity.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ Key areas and talent needs in the energy transition The energy transition has prompted changes in various fields. There is a shortage of talent in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, and there are a large number of high-quality and well-paid jobs. The key role in the energy transition and the difference in perception survey show that people generally believe that the national government is the most important in the energy transition, but the actual energy technology companies and petrochemical companies are the key driving forces, and social perceptions are biased.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■ The advantages and future prospects of electrochemical technology Electrochemical technology is efficient and controllable. Taking factory electric vehicles as an example to show the application potential, although it is not common, it will play an important role in the future. The development of battery technology and the controversy of lithium-ion batteries Batteries have been discovered for a long time. Lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention but are controversial. Lithium resources are scarce and recycling is difficult. The selection of battery materials requires comprehensive consideration of various factors.
(Image source: Professor Adrian Fisher lecture paper)
■How Fuel Cells Work Fuel cells are highly efficient energy conversion devices. Fuel cell technology is twice as efficient as combustion at converting carbon fuel into energy. Hydrogen is the simplest chemical element, consisting of a proton and an electron, making it an ideal fuel. It is not only abundant in reserves, but also extremely clean. Hydrogen makes up 90% of the matter in the universe and is the third most abundant element on the surface of the earth. This widely available sexual < unk > Celebration makes it possible to provide an almost unlimited supply of clean energy at a relatively low cost.
Interaction and inspiration
From theory to industry, thinking collides
In the interactive Q & A session, the students asked more specific questions such as: Why are greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide not recycled, and why are all the methods mentioned by the professor just to reduce the production of greenhouse gases, and are there direct ways to recycle and reuse them? Professor Fisher first affirmed the professionalism, direction and depth of the classmate's question, and then patiently gave the answer, "There are methods, but they need to consume a lot of resources. And only a small part can be recycled, so" reducing the production of greenhouse gases "can fundamentally alleviate the current environmental problems." Other students also asked Professor Fisher various professional questions from various professional angles, all of which were answered by the professional with international thinking. At the end of the lecture, Professor Fisher sent a message to the younger generation to take the scientific spirit as the torch, and use the spirit of research to illuminate the last mile of global carbon neutrality. "This lecture not only deepened the academic bond between Cambridge University and Farragut School, but also injected youth power into the energy innovation in the electrification era through interdisciplinary perspectives and case studies.
Electrification shines a light on a sustainable future
■ After the lecture, the students actively communicated with the professor, making full use of this valuable opportunity to learn more about sustainable energy and future electrification, develop their own international thinking depth, and apply it to their future academic and career development paths. Through this lecture, the students gained a deep understanding of the urgency of sustainable energy and the content of sustainable energy development, and developed a high degree of interest in what Professor Adrian Fisher talked about. After the lecture, they asked the professor questions.
Professor Adrian Fisher's lecture is not only an in-depth analysis of the frontiers of electrochemistry, but also a vivid demonstration of global research collaboration. When the glimmer of scientific research spirit converges into the spark of industrial change, a new generation of scientific explorers has quietly embarked on a journey to reshape the future of energy.
