Spotlight: Dr Zhipeng Ma

Meet ARC COE-CSI Research Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Zhipeng Ma

Dr. Zhipeng Ma is a Lecturer at UNSW School of Chemical Engineering at UNSW. Dr Zhipeng Ma’s research focuses on developing electrocatalytic technologies that use renewable electricity to convert carbon dioxide and nitrogen-containing pollutants into valuable chemicals and fuels. He works across the full research pathway from designing catalysts and understanding reaction mechanisms to building practical electrolysers and prototypes. This also involves translating promising laboratory discoveries into scalable technologies for applications such as sustainable aviation fuel production, renewable ammonia synthesis and industrial emissions reduction.

• Why are you interested in this field?

  I am fascinated by the possibility of using my expertise in chemical engineering to help decarbonise the world. Many essential chemicals are currently produced through energy-intensive processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Electrocatalysis offers an alternative pathway that uses renewable energy, captured carbon dioxide and waste streams as feedstocks. I particularly enjoy this field because it combines fundamental science with engineering while providing opportunities to address real-world environmental and industrial challenges.

• What do you hope to achieve with your research?

  I hope to help bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and technologies that can deliver meaningful impact at scale. My goal is to develop efficient, durable, and economically viable electrochemical systems that reduce carbon emissions, remove pollutants and produce useful chemicals and fuels. Ultimately, I would like my research to contribute to a circular carbon economy in which carbon dioxide and other waste products are treated as valuable resources rather than simply as emissions.

• How does being part of CSI support your research?

  Being part of CSI connects me with researchers who bring diverse expertise in carbon materials, catalysis, characterisation, modelling and engineering. This interdisciplinary environment allows me to examine research questions from different perspectives and establish collaborations that would be difficult to develop within a single discipline. CSI also provides access to advanced facilities, industry networks and opportunities to translate fundamental carbon science into practical technologies. Just as importantly, it creates a supportive community where researchers can exchange ideas, learn from one another and develop ambitious solutions to major sustainability challenges.