Delving into the realm of sustainable fuel and chemical synthesis within the context of transitioning towards a greener energy landscape, Professor James Durrant captivated audiences during his recent lecture at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) on 22 January 2025, as part of the esteemed CityUHK Distinguished Visiting Professor Lecture series.

Introduced by Professor Edwin Tso Chi-Yan from the School of Energy and Environment at CityUHK, Professor Durrant, a renowned authority in photochemistry, shared insights from his research at the Department of Chemistry and the Centre for Processable Electronics at Imperial College London and SPECIFIC IKC at the University of Swansea.

Under the enlightening title "Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Pathways to Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals: Insights into Reaction Kinetics from Optical Spectroscopy,” Professor Durrant emphasized the critical role of developing sustainable pathways for fuels and chemicals in the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve net zero emissions.

During his presentation, Professor Durrant navigated through the intricacies of photocatalytic, photoelectrode, and electrocatalytic pathways towards sustainable fuels and chemicals. He shed light on the utilization of transient optical spectroscopies to gain a deeper understanding of the functions of these pathways, notably focusing on the challenges surrounding water splitting for green hydrogen synthesis.

A core focus of his discourse was on the imperative of minimizing energy loss at each stage of the fuel generation process. Professor Durrant highlighted the kinetic challenges in photocatalysis, pointing out the necessity of aligning the timescales of photoexcitations with functional timescales to reduce energy leakage effectively.

Moreover, he highlighted the significance of novel materials in catalyzing these energy-efficient processes, stressing the importance of material design to optimize catalytic efficiency. Professor Durrant’s research interests, spanning from solar cells to photocatalysis and nanomaterials, marked the critical role of material innovation in driving sustainable energy solutions.

Introducing a methodology known as operando spectroelectrochemistry, Professor Durrant spotlighted its role in quantifying reactive species accumulation for catalysis, aiding in the enhancement of catalytic materials and processes.

In his discourse, Professor Durrant elucidated the intricacies of water oxidation catalysis on metal oxides, focusing on the collaborative effects between localized oxidizing states as pivotal in catalysis kinetics optimization. Understanding these collaborative mechanisms, particularly in water oxidation catalysis, holds the key to developing more efficient materials for sustainable energy conversion.

Professor Durrant’s insightful lecture underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and material design in propelling the transition toward a sustainable energy future, marking a significant stride in the ongoing quest for greener energy solutions.