Professor Mark Symes, Professor of Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Technology, School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow
Mark is the Professor of Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Technology in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. At the University, his main research interests are in developing new electrochemical processes and electrochemical technology for the more sustainable production of fuels and key chemical feedstocks, both on Earth and for extra-terrestrial applications. His research group in Glasgow conduct fundamental studies into the processes underlying reactions of interest and will also try to develop devices to apply the principles that they have learned in real-world settings: see www.symeslab.com. Mark is also currently on secondment to the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) as a Programme Director. At ARIA, Mark is leading a programme investigating the fundamental science behind a range of potential climate interventions (https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/future-proofing-our-climate-and-weather/exploring-climate-cooling).
Mark will explain the physical make-up of the Moon's surface and which elements could potentially be extracted. He will then show several methods of extracting water, and therefore hydrogen and oxygen. Mark will also show experiments flown on ESA's 'Zero-G' plane to simulate the processes in low gravity and will conclude his talk by explaining the many issues to be resolved before a working system is achieved.
The lecture will start at 1930 and will be held in Room 6.41 in the Royal College building, University of Strathclyde