Electrochemistry – Electrolysis, Enzymes & Green Chemistry with Professor Julea Butt from University of East Anglia

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Julea Butt is Professor of Biophysical Chemistry in the School of Biological Sciences at University of East Anglia. Her research team study the redox chemistry of biology and use their discoveries to inspire the development of sustainable electronic materials and artificial photosynthesis. Julea will interactively present Electrolysis, Enzymes and Green Chemistry.

There is much interest in harnessing renewable electricity to power electrolysis for sustainable chemicals production. This approach requires catalysts capable of performing redox processes. Ideally, redox processes that produce valuable chemicals from resources traditionally considered as waste. This session will explore how enzymes are attractive catalysts for electrolytic chemicals production – specifically the conversion of nitrate, a widespread pollutant, to ammonia, a valuable chemical feedstock, fuel and fertiliser. Redox chemistry, catalysis and properties of transition metals will be considered together with bacterial metabolism as inspiration for green chemistry. 

Speaker Profile: Professor Julea Butt

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: 16+ pre-university students studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Chemistry, Biology and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the topic and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via typed comments and questions or via a microphone if preferred. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here