Rex Maxwell
Chemical engineering
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Graduation date: Spring 2026
FURI | Spring 2026
Evaluating the Selectivity and Activity of Mixed Molybdenum and Tungsten Oxide as Photocatalytic Carbon Converters
This research investigates an economical approach to atmospheric carbon dioxide conversion to value-added chemicals using solar energy and mixed metal oxide photocatalysts. Elevated CO₂ levels contribute to catastrophic global warming, necessitating large-scale and cost-effective alleviation strategies. The proposed method aims to enhance the energy efficiency, selectivity, and yield of valuable end-product gases, enabling the process to be both environmentally and economically sustainable. By improving the viability of CO₂ conversion, this work supports the development of large-scale carbon reduction initiatives with potential for global impact. Here, the mixed metal oxides of group VI serve as semiconductor photocatalysts with tunable electronic and interfacial properties, facilitating interfacial charge transfer at active site and improving the kinetics of CO₂ reduction. In this project we focus on the hydrothermal synthesis of these materials and investigate the effect of synthesis conditions on their structural and electronic properties as well as their impact on the CO₂ reduction reaction pathways.
Mentor: Dorsa Parviz
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