Ahmed Sheta, a PhD student who is under Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol supervision, has successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled “CO₂ as a C1 Surrogate under Electrocatalytic Conditions” publicly on Tuesday, 9 September.
The members of the evaluation committee were Prof. Marc Robert (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France), Dr. Sergio Gonell Gómez (Universitat Jaume I (UJI)) and Dr. Ana M. Geer (ISQCH Instituto de Síntesis Química y Catálisis Homogénea).
Ahmed is from Egypt, where he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry at Damietta University. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing football, as well as reading. He is also a proud father of two children, Aser (10) and Amar (3).
He is a PhD fellow at ICIQ under the supervision of Prof. Julio Lloret-Fillol, funded by an FPI fellowship (PRE2020-094153, MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and ESF “European Social Fund. Investing in your future”).
Why did you become a scientist?
Since childhood, I’ve been driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding the world. I enjoy analyzing data, designing experiments, and solving complex problems, which naturally led me to science.
What is your thesis about?
My thesis explores the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals. By treating CO2 as a “C1 building block,” my work aims to transform a greenhouse gas into a sustainable resource for chemical production.
What triggered your interest in this subject?
I was motivated by the urgent need for sustainable solutions to climate change. The idea of converting CO2 from a pollutant into a valuable feedstock fascinated me and aligned with my commitment to environmental responsibility.
What applications can your thesis have in the future?
This research could enable the production of fuels and chemicals from CO2 using renewable electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It also contributes to carbon capture and utilization strategies, supporting a circular carbon economy.
What will you miss most from ICIQ?
I’ll miss the vibrant and collaborative community. Daily discussions with colleagues, shared challenges, and collective successes created an inspiring environment that made research both productive and enjoyable.
What advice would you give to someone starting a PhD?
Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, build strong relationships with colleagues, and take care of your well-being. A PhD is a marathon—resilience, curiosity, and balance are key to success.
Where are you going next?
I am applying for an MSCA fellowship in the UK. If successful, I’ll continue my research on CO2 utilization, expand my skills, and contribute to new projects in a stimulating environment.
What is your favourite molecule?
CO2. Often seen as a climate “villain,” it’s actually a versatile molecule with huge potential. In my research, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity to build a more sustainable chemical industry.
If you were a piece of lab equipment, what would you be?
I would be a potentiostat, since it lies at the heart of electrochemical experiments. It precisely controls and measures electrical signals, enabling a deep understanding of electron transfer processes—exactly what I study in CO2 electrocatalysis. In the same way, I approach research with precision and careful analysis, aiming to unravel complex chemical transformations.
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