During a ceremony featuring a keynote lecture at the School of Chemistry at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Dr Lars Mohrhusen was awarded the Science Prize of the Professor Reinhard Zellner Foundation. This year marks the fifth time the prize has been awarded; it recognises outstanding scientific achievements by early-career researchers in the field of physical chemistry.
Dr Lars Mohrhusen is being honoured in particular for his research into the (photo-)catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) using sustainable catalysts. At a time when the decarbonisation of industry and the fight against climate change are high priorities, his work makes an important contribution to the development of sustainable chemical processes. This approach is a key building block for establishing a future circular economy and reducing the use of fossil resources.
The laudatory address in honour of the award winner was delivered by Prof. Martin Muhler of Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). In his speech, Prof. Muhler not only highlighted their shared research interests but also drew attention to a recent scientific publication by Dr Mohrhusen on the activation of CO₂ on defect-rich titanium dioxide in the journal *Angewandte Chemie *.
With this award, the Professor Reinhard Zellner Foundation is sending a strong signal in support of young scientists working on solutions to the global challenges of our time.
Publication“Role of Water in Low-Temperature CO₂ Reduction at Defect-Rich TiO₂”(Mohrhusen, Lars et al.; doi.org/10.1002/anie.7574479) in *Angewandte Chemie International Edition*: here
More about Dr Lars Mohrhusen’s research: NWG Dr Lars Mohrhusen