A Conversation with Ib Chorkendorff

Physics at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU).His initial research interest focused on surface reactivity of heterogeneous catalysts, and later expanded to include electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis for energy harvesting and conversion.Notably, his seminal contributions to the fundamental understanding of CO 2 and N 2 reduction have led to new advances in designing electrocatalytic systems for sustainable fuels.He remains a leading advocate for reducing our carbon footprint through the development of sustainable fuels.The Department of Physics at DTU has been organizing a summer school for students and young researchers for the last two decades. 1 During my recent participation in the 2024 Surf Cat Summer School (Figure 1), I had the opportunity to converse with Prof. Ib Chorkendorff.PK: What were the early motivations that led you to get interested in electrocatalysis research?IC: From a young age, I was deeply interested in energy and energy conversion.This interest dates back to my high school days in the 1970s in Denmark, when car-free Sundays were introduced due to gasoline and oil shortages�an energy vulnerability that left a lasting impression on me.